Former Liberal-turned independent MP Troy Bell will oppose push by new Liberal Government to cap local council rates

INDEPENDENT MP Troy Bell will vote against legislation by his former party to cap council rates, warning it could prompt councils to hike costs for ratepayers by more than otherwise planned.

Former Liberal turned-Independent MP for Mt Gambier, Troy Bell.

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INDEPENDENT MP Troy Bell will vote against legislation by his former party to cap council rates, warning it could prompt councils to hike costs for ratepayers by more than otherwise planned.

The former Liberal turned-Independent MP for Mt Gambier said metropolitan councils were to blame for spending controversies — and country councils should not be “tarred with the same brush”.

He said some councils were working hard to limit rate increases and a cap might lead to higher bills for ratepayers.

“My biggest fear is that councils that wouldn’t normally raise their rates to the maximum (now), will, under a rate capping policy ... go up to the maximum cap every year,” he said.

“They’ll hedge the risk that they might spend more. They’ll say, ‘We will need to bank some money to cover ourselves’.”

Mr Bell said he would vote urged new Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll to consider using powers already available to him to tackle underperforming councils.

“There has been a lack of will from successive (Local Government) ministers to bring one or two councils into line,” he said. “We’re tarring every council with the same brush now. Instead of ministers taking responsibility, we’re looking at more legislation.

“The minister has all of the powers needed to bring rogue councils into line and to provide disciplinary action to members of the council.”

The minister has the power to ask councils to take actions to meet standards consistent with the Local Government Act.

The Government also can refer matters to the State Ombudsman and, in serious cases, seek to appoint an administrator to run a council.

The Government has pledged laws to set a maximum percentage increase in council rates each year.

The rise would be set by an independent watchdog, in a bid to cut the rising cost of living.

Annual increases in some council rates regularly outstrip inflation.

The Liberals have the numbers to pass laws to cap council rate rises through Parliament’s Lower House, regardless of Mr Bell’s stance.

The Local Government Association is campaigning against the policy, which it says will force cuts to services.