The valations are done independently of the Council and the values establish the rates payable on each property. Rates are levied in four instalments with the new year's rates set prior to instalment two. Ratepayers facing extreme financial hardship can apply to the Council for assistance. The rating system provides the net funding requirement for the Council's programme as set out in the Annual Plan. Rates are levied as a tax on property in compliance with the statutory provisions of the Rating Powers Act.
Connected properties pay full water rates, non connected pay half rates.
User Charges based on metered consumption are also made for water consumed by properties, other than private residential properties. An allowance is made for the amount of water rates charged. Separate sewerage rates are levied to recover the costs of sewerage on all properties within the serviced area. Separate land drainage rates are levied to recover the costs of land drainage from ratepayers within the land drainage district. The differentials are based based on the Funding Policy allocation which in turn is derived from an analysis of each Council output.