On Friday 30 November 2018 the Portfolio Committee Inquiry into the Fire and Emergency Services Levy (FESL) released its findings and recommendations.
The full report is attached – Final report – Fire and Emergency Services Levy – November 2018
The FESL keeps giving us some great outcomes not least of all is the acknowledgements to local government in their commitment to deliver and cooperate with the state even when some councils were opposed to the proposed scheme.
The most notable items for local government are:
Recommendation 3: That the NSW Government consider making Revenue NSW responsible for administering any new Fire and Emergency Services Levy.
Recommendation 4: That no future NSW Government should move to implement a Fire and Emergency Services Levy unless it considers:
• use of capital improved value of land for calculation of levy
• differential levy rates, fixed charges, discounts and caps
• better aligned land classifications between council and the Fire and Emergency Services Levy
• inclusion of motor vehicles
• the removal of 11.7 per cent contribution by councils
• addressing the impact of the Fire and Emergency Services Levy on lower socio economic households who are currently unable to afford building and contents insurance.
Regards
Andrew
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