GEORGE NEWS - A new financial year comes with changes in municipal tariffs and other aspects of local government entailing financial adjustments.
With the 2025/2026 financial year starting on 1 July, George Municipality’s directorate of financial services has announced average increases in municipal tariffs that will come into effect on 1 July.
The increases in municipal tariffs will be as follows:
- Sewerage: 5.50%
- Refuse: 6.00%
- Electricity: 10.90%
- Rates: 5.50%
- Water: 6.00%
Changes to the Indigent Policy
The budget is focused on the social needs of indigent households and the need to protect these households against exorbitant cost increases beyond the control of the municipality. To assist in this regard, two levels of Indigent support are now introduced.
The levels are as follows:
- Level 1: full indigent support and benefit
- Level 2: 50% indigent support and benefit
The table below sets out the criteria as well as the level of support.
Service Subsidy | Indigent Level 1 Support (100%) | Indigent Level 2 Support (50%) |
Criteria: | Household Income: R0 – R6 000 | Household Income: R6 001 – R9 000 |
Electricity: | 70 kWh free units | No free units + 50% of Basic Charge |
Water: | 6kl free + 100% of Basic Charge | 6kl free + 50% of Basic Charge |
Refuse | 100% of Basic Charge | 50% reduction in Basic Charge |
Sewerage | 100% of Basic Charge | 50% reduction in Basic Charge |
Property Rates | Rebate: R230 000 on valuation | Primary Rebate: R230 000 on valuation |
Total subsidy: | Value: R1 431.17 per month | Value: R673.10 per month |
IDP and budget documents
The 2025/2026 IDP and budget are now available for perusal by the public*. It can be accessed at the following venues:
- Office of the Director: Financial Services, First Floor, Civic Centre, George, Municipal Offices
- Libraries in Conville, Pacaltsdorp, Blanco, Thembalethu, Touwsranten, Waboomskraal, Noll, Haarlem and Uniondale, Municipal Area Offices (Conville, Pacaltsdorp, Blanco, Thembalethu, Rosemoor, Touwsranten, Protea Park and New Dawn Park), during normal office hours.
The documentation is also available on the municipal website - www.george.gov.za.
- GM Draft Budget Document 2025-26 to 2027-28 - George Municipality
*This notice is given in terms of Section 21A of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000), read with Section 22 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003).
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