Property Rates Bill

The Bill, which aims to introduce a uniform municipal rating system and broaden the rates base, had come under fire from traditional leaders and organised agriculture representatives. The committee, headed by Yunus Carrim, has succeeded however in thrashing out compromises with the various interest groups and the sectors they represent. After two years of debate it has finally been decided that the basis for rating would be the market value of land and improvements at a uniform rate.

Places of worship will escape the rates, but welfare organisations, independent schools and conservation bodies will not. Owners of sectional title units will have to pay rates directly to their municipalities, as body corporates will not be responsible anymore.

Link to article in BusinessDay