Hi Fiona
Thank you for taking the time to discuss this on Friday. If the category name in the two (or more) former councils were the same then you do not need to re-categorise or send letters. If the former category was say, Residential – Township ‘A’ and the new category is proposed to be just Residential then you really should send notice of a category change. However if the category in both former LGA’s was ‘Residential’ then there is no need to notify.
It is important to note that whenever a council proposes to change a category or re-name an existing one the new category needs to be declared prior to making the rate (see Section 514 and Section 520).
Accordingly I think you should send letters out prior to making your rates to any ratepayers who’s category is going to change.
Hope this is helpful.
Regards,
Andrew
