RATING SYSTEMS

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28399, 4 October 1957, Page 14

RATING SYSTEMS

“More Equitable” Levy Wanted

The burden of rates should be spread more equitably and all should pay a “fair share towards the upkeeping of city amenities,” said Mr J. Palmer, the president of Residents Affiliated at its annual meeting last evening. Mr Palmer was commenting on the recommendation of the Local Government Commission that a new uniform rating system, the site system, should be introduced, in place of the systems at present in operation, capital, unimproved and annual value “The site system is the same as the unimproved system and just another name for it," said Mr Palmer. He discounted the opinion expressed by the Commission that the new system would correct existing rating anomalies. z Claiming that the unimproved system was not equitable, Mr Palmer said the rates levied in the inner city areas were too high in comparison with those levied (“on the outskirts.” "The residents in the inner areas have paid for the amenities available and they are now being asked to pay for amenities in the ouler areas." He urged the affiliated associations to give consideration to the question.