FAQs at rates time

Published on 08 September 2022

Get the details on the changes to the way different fees are listed including in your rates notice.

Darebin residents will have recently received their second installment notices with a payment due date by 30 November 2022.

Below are some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions on this year’s rates.

If you’re having difficulties paying, please give us a call on 03 8470 8888 or emailing mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au.

For a more sustainable option that gives you easy access to your current and previous rates notices, register for e-notices at darebin.enotices.com.au

Why have my rates increased so much this year?

Darebin’s 2022/2023 Budget includes a rate increase of 1.75%. This is in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap, which restricts the amount that councils can raise their rates each year.

However, this 1.75% increase looks different for each individual ratepayer, because the amount you pay in rates depends not only on the council rate amount but also on how much your property is worth (Capital Improved Value).

The State Government determines the Capital Improved Value of each property, not Council, and this year’s valuation date was 1 January 2022. The Capital Improved Value of many properties in Darebin increased over the past 12 months up to 1 January 2022.

I don't use Council's waste service because I live in an apartment and our body corporate does it (or it may be for another reason), why have I been charged the Kerbside Waste Service Charge?

Please contact our Customer Service team by calling 03 8470 8888 or emailing mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au and provide us with your details so we investigate whether you have been charged the Kerbside Waste Service Charge in error.

I am having difficulty paying my rates. What can I do?

We understand there are people in our community who face financial hardship. Our Rates Financial Hardship Policy is aimed to support Darebin ratepayers facing genuine financial hardship.

Assistance can only be granted to people experiencing financial hardship for payment of rates on their principal place of residence.

Find out more about our financial assistance options.

Please read the policy and get in touch with us as soon as possible — before the due date on your rates notice.

I have another question about the waste service charge and rate. Who can I ask?

Take a look at our FAQs on the waste service charge and rate. If your question is not answered there, please contact our Customer Service team by calling 03 8470 8888 or emailing mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au

I have another question about rates that’s not answered here. Who can I contact?

Please contact our Customer Service team by calling 03 8470 8888 or emailing mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au

We hope this is helpful to you and are happy to answer questions if you didn’t find what you were looking for in this information.