Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis to seek rates freeze for 2020/21 in bid to assist struggling ratepayers

DARWIN Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis is testing the limit of the council’s generosity, proposing a zero per cent rates increase for all ratepayers across the city.

Darwin Council Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis wants to see a zero per cent increase on rates next year. Picture: Justin Kennedy

DARWIN Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis is testing the limit of the council’s generosity, proposing a zero per cent rates increase for all ratepayers across the city.

Mr Vatskalis told the NT News he had started with businesses but also wanted to help homeowners and landlords, many of whom are already looking after their tenants.

“The current situation is dreadful, the economy is down in the doldrums, we don’t know when the economy will start again and we can kiss tourism goodbye because of the borders closing,” he said.

“First we have to help businesses suffering now. I have been approached by landlords who have helped their tenants.

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“I will be asking the council in the new budget to have zero per cent increase in rates for the next financial year.

“I did the maths with our chief executive and we know we can survive with a zero per cent increase.”

The Lord Mayor has already signalled he will push for a rates waiver for the first quarter of next year.

But Mr Vatskalis said the idea must receive the support of his elected members.

“Hopefully the rest of my aldermen agree with my idea,” he said.

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Mr Vatskalis will bring his idea to the table for council’s 2020/21 budget.