LGNSW Cost Shifting Report 2023/24

NSW councils are now absorbing more than 1.5 billion dollars each year in cost shifted responsibilities without sufficient supporting funding. This equates to an average annual cost of 497 dollars and 40 cents for each NSW ratepayer. That is money councils cannot invest in the services and infrastructure their communities need and deserve, like new libraries, sporting facilities, youth development programs and road repairs.

This report outlines the major financial pressures placed on councils in the 2023 to 2024 financial year. It highlights the top five cost shifts onto councils: rate exemptions, the waste levy, development assessment and regulatory functions, emergency services contributions and library funding.