Rates subsidy for community groups

Council recognises the value to our residents of having a vibrant network of community organisations providing a diverse range of services, activities and facilities.

Rates subsidy for community groups policy

The current NSW rating regime does not allow Council discretion in exempting land from rates, meaning some local community organisations are required to pay business rates for their facilities.

The Rates Subsidy for Community Groups policy enables the granting of an annual rate subsidy to qualifying organisations. It has been designed to be simple for applicants, whilst maximising transparency and ensuring appropriate decision-making by Council.

The objectives of the policy are to:

  • Establish guidelines and criteria for provision of an annual rate subsidy to not-for-profit community organisations delivering benefits to the Maitland community under Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993;
  • Ensure transparency in the establishment of an annual financial allocation and determination of a rate subsidy across qualifying applicants by the elected Council, under Section 377 of the Local Government Act 1993;
  • Document the administration process for the application of the subsidy against qualifying rate assessments prior to issue each year.

Rates subsidy for community groups 2023/24 application

Applications for the 2023/24 rates subsidy for community groups are now open.

CREATE AN APPLICATION

Applications for the 2024/25 subsidy will open in November 2023.