Ratepayers across the state will see a new NSW Government fire levy itemised on their council rates notices after1 July when the Fire and Emergency Services Levy Act 2017 comes into effect.
The levy is currently collected by insurance providers as part of home insurance premiums. However, the new legislation gives local councils responsibility for collecting the levy for the NSW Government.
Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes said it’s important that ratepayers know the levy is not an increase in Council rates or a Council decision or policy.
“The NSW Government has advised us that from 1 July 2017, councils in NSW will be responsible for collecting and administering this new levy.
“Home owners can expect to see their home insurance costs reduced as the levy will no longer be incorporated in insurance premiums. We will be advising homeowners to contact their insurance company about how this will work because councils will not have this information.
“Eurobodalla ratepayers will receive information from the NSW Government in a mail out from Council late this month, either included in their Council rates notice installment or as a separate letter.
“We understand a calculator will be available soon on the FESL website, and Eurobodalla ratepayers will receive their FESL levy itemised on their Council rates notices starting from July.”
“The FESL website has a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions that will help homeowners, and we’ve been told a state-wide media campaign will start soon to explain the changes.”
For more information about the levy, visit the NSW Government’s Fire and Emergency Services Levy website at www.fesl.nsw.gov.au or call their hotline 1300 78 78 72.
Ratepayers should contact their home insurer for details about their premiums and payments. An Insurance Monitor has been established to ensure the savings made when the insurance based levy is abolished are passed on to customers: www.eslinsurancemonitor.nsw.gov.au or 1300 607 723. Media Release
