Executive Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Alderman Ian Neilson, assures ratepayers that the process of valuing their properties is fair and equitable.

Alderman Neilson says that the process of setting rates has not yet begun, and is an entirely separate process to that of valuing properties.

“The rates process is set within a national framework set by national government,” said Neilson.

Property owners will only know their new rates bills when the ‘rate in the rand’, upon which new rates will be based, is set in May.

Misleading

The City of Cape Town’s Director: Valuations, Christopher Gavor, explained that average increases or decreases are misleading.

"There are many scenarios that may impact on the differences between prior values and new values, such as additions, land status changes, conservative or excessive prior values, etc."

"Owners need to assess whether the current values are accurate and not base queries or challenges to the values on respective increases or decreases," he said.

Alderman Neilson further explained that there is no reason to imagine that the City will tax people out of their homes.

"We are a compassionate administration that cares about our residents. Our various assistance measures, including the different types of rebates and our indigent policies, bear testimony to this fact," he said.

'Pay your fair share'

Alderman Neilson added that it is also important for everyone in the city to pay their fair share when it comes to rates.

"An increase in a property value on its own does not necessarily imply an increase in one's rates bill. The rate in the rand will be adjusted to account for the overall increase in the total value of all properties."

If an individual property value has increased by less than the average increase across the city, that property may actually experience a decrease in rates.

"Increases in rates are only expected at those properties where the increase has been higher than that of the average increase. The property values are based on their market value," Alderman Neilson stressed.

Objection period

A 60-day inspection and objection period will take place from February 22 to 30 April 2010.

An objection can only be lodged in relation to a specific individual property and any objections will be fairly assessed. There is also an appeals process in place.

Ratepayers with access to the internet need not visit the objection centres as all information necessary to lodge an objection will be available on the City of Cape Town website at www.capetown.gov.za.

Residents who still require further assistance can visit one of 18 inspection centres across the city. For more information, ratepayers can contact 086 010 3089.