Everything you need to know about rates in your city
PAULSHOF – Here are a few things the Fourways Review learned about rates and general valuation, which you have the right to comment on.
It’s time to talk about rates.
Did you know that you have the right to have your comments on the matter be taken into consideration before the policy can take effect?
On 30 January the Fourways Review attended government’s public rates policy meeting, which was hosted at the Rivonia Recreation Club in Paulshof.
Deputy director of property rates policy at the City of Joburg, Veli Hlophe, shared information on the matter in a presentation he gave on the evening about rates policy.
ALSO READ: Lets talk about Rates – City of Joburg wants to hear from you
Here are some things attendees learned:
• The rates on properties is a form of tax, according to Section 11 of the Prescription Act 68 of 1969, and the council has the power to recover arrears (debts) for a period of up to 30 years.
• A review of rates policy in the City has to be conducted annually and every year they must also follow a process where members of the public can participate – hence the meeting at the club on 30 January. That same week, public meetings also took place in Ivory Park and Midrand.
• The review of rates policy happens in two phases: The first (happening now) requests input from stakeholders and creates a draft policy that will be presented at council for approval in March. The second phase begins in April and is when that draft is made available to stakeholders, who can then submit their input before final approval by council.
• In terms of timeline, the first phase began on 21 January and will run until 11 March, while the City confirmed that the second phase will begin in April (although a specific date has not yet been announced).
• Risks that could impact rates revenue include the credit rating of South Africa and slow economic growth.
• When it comes to general valuation (the process of assigning worth of all properties in a particular area) of properties across the city, the current values will be valid until 30 June 2022. Government’s communication with stakeholders will begin in February 2021.
• Disputes regarding the current general valuation roll are handled by three appeal boards.
• Any resident who wishes to have their comment considered in this process must email them to RatesComments@joburg.org.za or Pumzaj@joburg.org.za before 11 March.
For more information, please visit the City of Joburg website www.joburg.org.za
