City of Swan mayor wants State Govt to reverse licence concession cuts

CITY of Swan Mayor Mick Wainwright is calling for the State Government to reverse its decision to cut vehicle licence concessions for local government, with concerns the cost would be passed on to ratepayers.

Mr Wainwright said the cuts, which will apply from July 1, would cost the City an additional $400,000 a year.

The State Government announced in January the cut to concessions for local government vehicle licences and stamp duties in an effort to reduce State debt.

Mr Wainwright said the move would lead to a rate rise for ratepayers in Swan.

“In this tight fiscal environment, this leaves us little choice, but to reduce our services or pass on extra costs to ratepayers, which is not ideal,” he said.

“Mounting State debt is increasingly being shifted to local governments who have limited to raise revenue.

“This is taking away important funding that would otherwise be spent on grassroots infrastructure.”

The City is supporting the WA Local Government Association’s campaign to have the decision reversed in light of the impact it will have on councils and the community.

Mr Wainwright said the cost to the City was equal to the cost of building five children’s playgrounds, three netball courts or eight sets of cricket nets, ultimately leaving the community worse off.

“Local government have received barely any notice about the State Government’s changed to last year’s budget,” he said.