Byron unlikely to apply for rate rise above Government peg

BYRON Shire Council is unlikely to seek a rate increase over and above the 3.4% peg set this week by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

The council's acting general manager, Phil Holloway, said the administration was still preparing its 2013/14 budget.

"Generally we factor in a 3% rate peg from IPART, so this will give us a little more room to move," he said.

"Council will decide in December if it will apply for a special rate variation, however, the staff recommendation will be not to apply."

IPART chairman Dr Peter Boxall said the rate peg represented the increase in costs incurred by local government, a deduction for productivity improvements and a deduction of part of the carbon price advance.

"In setting the rate peg, we have sought a balance between ensuring that councils can meet the increased costs of delivering services while sharing benefits of improved productivity with ratepayers," he said.