Environment Southland Regional Council has set its rates for the 2022-23 financial year.

The overall rates increase for this year is 5% as expected and outlined in the Annual Plan 2022-2023, adopted in April.

Property rates account for $24 million, which is 48% of the Council’s revenue for 2022-23. The other 52% of revenue comes from a range of sources, including fees and charges, grants, the South Port dividend, levies, investment and rental income.

"Councillors made a commitment during last year’s Long-term Plan consultation to keep the overall rate increase at 5%, which they are honouring, even though there is ongoing global uncertainty leading to increased costs including inflation, construction and fuel", council communications manager Gail Jefferies says.

"In setting the rates the council was mindful of the challenging economic climate and the need to maintain levels of service in the face of increasing costs and challenges, such as improving water quality more quickly."

Actual amounts for individual ratepayers will vary due to differences and changes in property valuations.

The annual payment of rates is due by 25 November 2022.

Payment can be made online by credit card, online baking or direct debit and for those who qualify, there is a three-instalment option – November, February and May.

To find out more and to sign up to receive your rates via email go to: www.es.govt.nz/about-us/rates (Direct debit sign-up).

For information about the work programmes and budgets for 2022-2023 please see our Annual Plan – Tahua ā-tau and Annual Plan Summary on the ES website or call 0800 76 88 45.