Protestors will descend on the first full council meeting of the year today as Councillors prepare to debate the so-called “view tax”.
Council has come under fire from residents in high-rise buildings after they were stung with larger rate hikes, depending on how high they live.
At least 20 petitions from angry residents will presented to Council today expressing opposition to the slug.
Ratepayers argue that they have already paid a premium for their property, are already slugged higher body corporate fees and that the “tax” is a “money grab” that was introduced with no consultation.
Council will also discuss a report that recommends no changes to the controversial policy.
The report found just 4 per cent, or around 12,200 properties have been affected by the change and that no extra revenue has been raised as a result.
It also highlighted that the increases have ranged from $3.20 per week for residents on levels on 5 to 10, up to $13 per week for ratepayers above level 40.
The report also warned that had the policy not been introduced, 96 per cent of properties across the city would have faced rate increases above the average 4 per cent handed down in last year’s budget.
