Since 21 January, the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has been visiting the seven regions by inviting all residents, stakeholders, ratepayers and interested parties to the consultative region meetings for the Property Rates Policy of 2020 and 2021.
Concerned faces stood out in the crowd on 3 February when Roodepoort residents attended the Region C meeting to give their input for the new rates policy. Director of Rates and the valuation component of CoJ, Veli Hlophe, started the meeting by explaining the current policy to the attendees. According to CoJ the review is done to enhance the policy, while ensuring that the required revenue is realised and the provision of basic services continues uninterrupted. A breakdown of CoJ’s action plan was discussed. Currently the City is in Phase one as they are busy meeting with all the regions to request input from all residents to be able to create a draft policy.
CoJ’s proposed changes to the Rates Policy are to incorporate long-term leases and split values; reword the sections of the Rates Policy to read correctly; align the Rates Policy to the City’s strategic direction; align the Rates Policy with other City policies; and incorporate the judicial outcomes. The possible risks that could impact the rates revenue, such as property owners defaulting on monthly payments, a reduction in disposable income, load-shedding and possible electricity tariff increases were discussed.
Phase two will be implemented in April, when a draft of the Rates Policy will be presented to all the residents before assigning it for final approval. The residents and stakeholders were further put at ease when Hlophe explained that all input and comments on the policy will be submitted, and that residents will be informed on the due date for final input.
In 2018 the City implemented their third General Valuation Roll (GVR) and is now preparing to implement its fourth in 2022. The GVR for 2022 is in the process of being compiled, and will be valid from 1 July 2021 already.
To view the Rates Policy for 2019 and 2020 visit https://www.joburg.org.za. Residents can email their input and comments regarding the Property Rates Policy to RatesComments@joburg.org.za or Pumzaj@joburg.org.za.
