The Rates Disconnect: NSW at a Tipping Point
With rising arrears, under-resourced teams, and increasing demands from ratepayers, councils in NSW are struggling to keep up. 73 councils in NSW participated in this report. Some of the key findings include the financial burden of manual processes, the disconnect between rates teams and the urgent need for improvements in the local government. While ratepayers demand more flexibility and modern payment solutions, councils lack the necessary resources to drive this change.
What you will get
Rising Arrears and Financial Strain on Councils
Councils in NSW are experiencing increasing arrears, with some councils reporting rates as high as 15%. Economic pressures, including mortgage stress and inflation, are making it harder for ratepayers to meet their obligations, leading to cash flow challenges for the councils.
Under-Resourced and Overburdened Rates Teams
A majority of local government rates teams are understaffed, with 57% operating with only 1-5 members. Despite rising workloads, many councils are not actively hiring, leaving teams overwhelmed and ratepayers underserved.
Manual Processes Are Costing Councils Millions
The heavy reliance on manual processes such as direct debits, reporting, debt management are significantly reducing efficiency, costing councils millions in lost productivity each year. While 75% of councils are open to investing in solutions that address their needs, many are still lacking the necessary tools to streamline their operations.
