Minister for Local Government, Premila Kumar has instructed all municipal councils to conduct the valuation exercises in all their municipalities before deciding on whether they will increase the rates come next year.
Kumar made this clear when we questioned her on whether city and town rates will be going up.
She says the decision will be made following consultations with ratepayers.
The Minister confirms that there will be no increase in city and town rates this year.
Premila Kumar has also reiterated that it is a requirement under the Local Government Act that a valuation exercise must be undertaken every six years, and this would establish what the rate will be and if it needs to be increased.
She says a few municipal councils have carried out the valuation however have not increased the rates.
A good example of this would be the Nasinu Town Council as the town rate for the residents has not increased for 20 years.
