ETHEKWINI Municipality is alerting residents not to be alarmed by a hoax flyer warning of exorbitant rates and tariff increases on their properties.
Peet du Plessis, Head of Revenue Management, said the matter had been brought to the attention of the city after flyers were posted in post boxes in and around Durban, allegedly by a real estate company, claiming that property owners faced an upcoming rates increase of 71.43 per cent.
Du Plessis said municipal tariff increases are set every year during the budget process with the needs of every consumer in mind.
“It is guided by a tariff policy which ensures that the increases are affordable and realistic. Rates increases are determined by the value of the property and the amount in which it has fluctuated,” he said.
The company who had posted the flyers, said Du Plessis, had based its calculations on the Multi Year Revenue and Expenditure Framework which sets out a financial plan for coming years. This however, was incorrect as tariff increases are reviewed annually.
“The company that distributed the information to residents did not consider the variables used to calculate the rates tariffs.”
“There are two notable variables: the required revenue in terms of the budget that should be funded by property taxes and also the property value of all properties liable for the payment of property taxes as per legislation,” he said.
He said the hoax flyer had created concern among residents who were now under the false impression that their rates would increase, while the reality was that the budget was still under consideration by council and any speculation on what the increases would be were unwarranted.
The municipality also warned residents not to make any payments to the company in question should they be requested to do so, and also not to contract any of these companies or organisations to act on their behalf as far as objections to their property values and high rates tariffs are concerned. Property owners are able to do this directly at any municipal Customer Care of Sizakala Centre.
Customers can also email revline@durban.gov.za with any queries.
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