Emergency Service Levy Shock

Narromine Shire Council is shocked by the significant and unplanned budget shortfall after being levied with the unexpected charges for the 2023/2024 Emergency Services Levy (ESL).

‘Council has only been notified of the sizable increase of this levy after the 2023/2024 budget has been set for the subsequent twelve months, with no consultation or communication to anyone in the local government sector’, said Craig Davies, Mayor Narromine Shire Council.

After taking into consideration the difficult operating environment that many councils and communities have had to exist in, the previous NSW Government supported Councils and their communities by subsidising the past increases of the ESL.

The ESL is a cost imposed on councils and the insurance industry to fund the emergency services budget in NSW. The majority of this amount is paid in insurance premiums, 11.7% is picked up Councils and 14.6% by State Government. 

Unfortunately, the newly appointed State Government has failed to consult with us about this shock to Council’s budget. Narromine Shire Council has an increase of $196,000 to its ESL contribution for the 2023/2024 Year. Again, the State Government has devolved a function to local government without consideration of fair remuneration or consultation, added Clr Davies.

Narromine Shire Council intends to follow its concerns further with the NSW Minister for Local Government and NSW Premier and encourage for a fairer, more transparent and equitable funding formula to the Emergency Services Levy. 

Ends

__________________________________________________________________________ 

Media Contact: Narromine Shire Council, Mayor, Clr Craig Davies 
 T: 0407 438 422