Of the 300 ratepayers interviewed in a post-panel phone survey, about two thirds think there is a need to increase rates while eight per cent are unsure.

Inverell has also recently joined eight councils across NSW who have officially applied to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal to increase their general revenue above the rate peg for the 2017 to 2018 financial year.

Mayor Paul Harmon admitted rate pegging “hindered” Council’s ability to increase rate revenue to meet expenditure.

“People realise that if we want to continue and improve current services … then they are prepared to pay more to maintain those services,” he said.

“I think it’s reflected in the survey results that people believe Council is doing a good job about controlling finances and being wise with spending.”

Mr Harmon said raising rates was one of the best ways to improve services.

“Council’s only way of raising revenue is through rates or fees and charges – our fees and charges can’t always be spent towards some services.”

The survey also discovered over 50 per cent of residents were concerned about Council’s financial position and more than half reported more income should be raised through increased rates.

IPART chairman Peter Boxall said they would resolve all applications to increase general revenue by mid‑May.

“As councils must engage with the community when assessing options for a special variation, we expect councils will have sought and considered the community’s views on the special variation,” Mr Boxall said.

If you would like to make submissions to IPART visit www.ipart.nsw.gov.au. 

You can also have your say by voting on our poll: