Ratepayer Rewards

Why did Frankston City Council introduce a voucher scheme?

To support the community during this challenging time, Council allocated a further $3.86 million in the Council Budget to assist residents with COVID recovery. This included $1.1 million in Ratepayers Discount Vouchers for access to Council services.

The Ratepayers Discount Vouchers provide an opportunity for ratepayers to experience the Frankston Arts Centre and Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre at a reduced price. There is also the option of a discounted additional at-call hard waste collection for ratepayers.

What can my voucher be used for?

Frankston City ratepayers can choose from one of three reward vouchers on offer:

• A $25 voucher to redeem at the Frankston Arts Centre on tickets to eligible shows.
• A one off free entry pass to Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre – choose from:
• Family aquatic access for two adults and two children (normally $27.50) or
• Full centre access for one adult (normally $27.00)
• $25 off an at-call hard waste collection (in addition to the annual hard waste collection)

Please note, ratepayers are entitled to redeem one voucher for each property listed in their name.

How do I access my voucher?

Accessing your Ratepayers Reward Voucher is easy.

Visit www.frankston.vic.gov.au/RatepayerRewards, follow the link to the application portal and then enter your property details, as written on your rates notice. Please have your rates assessment reference number handy, this is located on the front of your Annual Rate and Valuation Notice.  You must include all digits in your Rates Assessment number (without the space). Select your preferred voucher type from the three options - Frankston Arts Centre, PARC, or the At-Call Hardwaste collection. Your voucher will then be sent to your email. If you do not have access to the Internet to redeem your voucher, please call 1300 322 322 or visit one of our Customer Service Centres (COVID-19 restrictions allowing). 

How long do I have to use my voucher?

Vouchers are valid until 30 June, 2022.

What if I can’t access the vouchers due to COVID lockdowns?

Vouchers are valid for use until 30 June, 2022 and must be used in line with Victorian Government COVID-19 restrictions.

While Council provides one free collection per year, residents can book an additional hard waste collection of 2 cubic metres at any time of the year. Hard waste collections are still available during COVID restrictions. Call 1300 322 322 or visit www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Environment-and-Waste/Waste-and-Recycling/Booking-a-Hard-Waste-Collection

If your Frankston Arts Centre show is cancelled or you need a refund, you will be refunded only the additional amount you spent on the purchase of the ticket and the $25 will be credited to your Frankston Arts Centre account for your next ticket purchase.

Access to Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre is determined by the Government imposed COVID restrictions. Visit parcfrankston.com.au/centreclosure/ to stay up to date. 

What are the terms and conditions of the vouchers?

For the full list of terms and conditions, click here. 

Can I give my voucher to someone else?

Ratepayers Discount Vouchers are not transferable and can only be redeemed by the ratepayer whose name is on the Rates and Valuation Notice.  All vouchers are subject to the following terms and conditions:

• Valid until 30 June, 2022
• Maximum of one ratepayer reward voucher per rates notice
• Cannot be exchanged for cash
• Not transferable for any other person or service program
• Not to be used with any other offer
• Bookings are subject to any restrictions on max number of persons allowed inside centres as per Government COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time of redemption 

Why can’t tenants access the voucher scheme? Can landlords give their voucher to their tenants?

Ratepayers Discount Vouchers are not transferable and can only be redeemed by the ratepayer whose name is on the Rates and Valuation Notice. We suggest you contact your real estate agent or landlord to discuss access to hard waste collections. 

Will the voucher scheme be offered each year?

The vouchers are a one off reward for rate payers.  Council will consider the financial position at the next Budget cycle.  This is the first time Council has issued vouchers since the late 1990s when they were made available to assist residents during the economic crisis of that period. 

How are rates calculated?

Rates are based on two variables, the rate in the dollar and the valuation of your property. 

The formula for calculating rates is:

• Capital Improved Value (CIV) x Rate in the dollar = Rate payable

Example

• CIV of the residential property = $A
• Rate in the dollar for residential properties = B cents
• A x B = $Rates

The ‘rate in the dollar’ is determined by calculating the total amount of rate revenue we require to maintain our services. We then divide this amount by the total value of the properties within the Frankston City Municipality (this amount changes every year).

It is a requirement of State Government that Councils use the below values to determine how much each property pays in Rates: 

1. multiply the value of your property by the 'rate in the dollar'
2. add the Municipal charge, Fire Services Property Levy and Landfill Levy 
3. add the cost of any Waste Services
4. subtract any Concessions (if eligible)

Property owners with lower-valued properties pay less in rates than owners of higher-valued properties however the rate is capped at 2.00% for 2020-2021.

If you own multiple properties in various municipalities, you may be wondering why some rates are less than others. This is because every Council has different budget requirements for capital works, proposed works and ongoing costs to maintain services across the municipality. 

Please be aware that when you receive your rates notice, it is important NOT to add your capital improved value (CIV) and site value (SV) together as this is not how rates are calculated. 

Why didn’t Council lower rates instead?

Each year, Council delivers more than 150 services to our community which are funded through the Council Budget. Council rates fund the local essential services and infrastructure which benefits the whole community. This includes but is not limited to: 

• Aged and disability services
• Arts, culture, community centres and libraries
• Child, youth and family Care
• Community buildings
• Community grants
• Drainage and local roads
• Economic and business development initiatives
• Events and festivals
• Capital works, including new infrastructure, maintenance and redevelopment.

Why did Council raise rates? Are Frankston City Council rates in line with other Councils? 

Every Council has different budget requirements for capital works, proposed works and ongoing costs to maintain services across the municipality.

The annual rates revaluation may have an effect on the overall percentage increase of your rates. This is due to either an increase or decrease in your property valuation when compared to the overall average increase of the municipality.  

If your property valuation increased and was greater than the municipal average then your rates may increase to a greater amount than the Rate Cap percentage, which is 2.0% for 2020-2021. However, if your property valuation decreased, then your overall Rates may be equal to the Rate Cap percentage.

It’s also important to note that Rate Capping only applies to the General Rate and the Municipal Charge. The Rate Cap does not apply to other charges such as Waste Bins.

What is Rate Capping?

Rate Capping was introduced by the State Government on 1st July 2016 which Council has complied with. Rate Capping limits the amount Councils may increase rates in a year, without seeking additional approvals. The Rate cap for 2021-2022 will be 1.5%. In comparison, the previous Rate Caps (based on CPI) have been:

• 2017-2018    2.00%
• 2018-2019    2.25%
• 2019-2020    2.5%
• 2020-2021    2.00%
• 2021-2022    1.5%

What if I can’t pay my rates?

If you are having difficulty paying your rates, there are options to help such as our Hardship Relief Waiver. Please contact our friendly team on 1300 322 322 or visit our website for more information.