Report of the Select Committee on Local Government and Administration on the Local Government: Municipal Property Rates Bill [B9B-2003] (National Assembly-sec 75), dated 3
March 2004:

The Select Committee on Local Government and Administration, having considered the subject of the Local Government: Municipal Property Rates Bill [B19B-2003] (National Assembly - sec 75). referred to it, reports that it has agreed to the Bill.

The Committee further reports, as follows:

Having considered various pertinent Clauses of the Bill, the Committee would have liked to propose amendments to Clauses 17 and 18. However. it is acknowledged that the envisaged amendments would require further investigation and assessment before a specific proposal can be formulated Consequently, the Department of Provincial and Local Government is requested to investigate and assess the appropriateness of the threshold amount of R15 000 referred to in Clause 17(1)(h), with a view to increasing it, and report back within 12 months on what should be the appropriate amount. In view thereof that the said exclusion of R15 000 maybe reversed in terms of Clause 18, the Department should also consider an amendment to Clause 18 that will omit the reference to paragraphs (g) and (h) of Clause 17(1). It would also be appropriate for such an amendment to be accompanied by an amendment to Clause 84 that will make provision for regulations to be tabled in Parliament.

In respect of Clause 24(2)(b), the Committee recommends that the Department, by way of guidelines, provide the criteria that will assist municipalities to make a proper choice as to the applicability of subparagraph (i) or (ii), depending on the circumstances. These guidelines should be mindful of relevant social issues.