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Rates & fees

Rates & fees

Rates pay for most council services. In Victoria, the state sets a yearly cap on how much a council can raise its average rates. For 2026–27 the cap is 2.75%, and Hume's budget raises the average general rate by exactly that much. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more. It moves with your property's value compared with everyone else's, the two waste charges, and the state levy printed on the same notice.

New to these terms? Read them in plain English
Pensioner rebate
A discount on rates for eligible pensioners.
See the full explainer, with formulas →

Rates at a glance

2026–27 rate rise
Average general rates: +2.75%The capped average rate is $1,776.94 per property, up from a base of $1,729.38 (budget §4.1.1(j)). This equals the 2.75% cap set under the Fair Go Rates System run by the Essential Services Commission. Hume has no municipal charge.
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.0021791One uniform rate in the dollar for all rateable land. The council's example: a property with a CIV of $650,000 pays $1,416.41 in general rates, before waste charges and the state levy. The adopted budget lists the rate as 0.21789 cents per dollar of CIV, subject to the Minister's valuation declaration; the rates page gives $0.0021791. Check your notice.
Kerbside waste charge (2026–27)
$407.16 per propertyCovers the standard garbage, recycling and food and garden bins, hard waste and your yearly waste vouchers. Down $7.81 (1.88%) on 2025–26. Extra or larger bins cost more. Waste charges aren't covered by the rate cap.
Public waste charge (2026–27)
$306.62 for homes ($246.62 for pensioners)Pays for public litter bins, street sweeping and cleaning up dumped rubbish. Up $76.95 (33.5%) on 2025–26 for homes. Businesses pay it as a rate on their property's CIV. Not covered by the rate cap.About the waste charges →
When it's due
4 instalments: 30 Sep, 30 Nov, 28 Feb, 31 MayAnnual notices arrive in September. You can also pay in 9 monthly instalments (30 September to 31 May), or weekly or fortnightly by direct debit, or through Centrepay.Payment options →
Interest on overdue rates
Penalty interest rate — currently 10% a year (Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983); check your noticeHume's pages refer to 'the legislated penalty interest rate' without stating the figure.
Pensioner concession
Municipal rates concession, plus $60 off the public waste chargeFor your principal place of residence, if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA Gold Card (TPI or War Widow). You need to apply. Health Care Card holders aren't eligible.Concessions →
Financial hardship
Payment plans, payment booklets or a short-term deferralApply once you have your notice. For a booklet or deferral, email contactus@hume.vic.gov.au or call 9205 2200.Hardship support →
Objecting to your valuation
Closes Friday 6 November 2026Within two months of the 2026/27 annual notice, through the state's Rating Valuation Objections portal.How to object →
Also on your notice: ESVF
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyThe council collects it for the Victorian Government: a fixed $139 for homes or $282 for other properties, plus a variable part. It replaced the Fire Services Property Levy in 2025. It isn't council revenue and isn't covered by the rate cap.About the ESVF →

The figures above come from the adopted 2026–27 budget and the council's 2026/27 rates pages. The council's 'Understanding your rates' notice guide still mentions the Fire Services Levy, which the ESVF has replaced. Check your own notice for your figures.

Sources — check it yourself

Figures are current as at the dates shown and may change — always confirm with the linked source. See the notice at the bottom of the page for full details and how to report a correction.