Ratepayers suggest CoCT drops property value as a measure to impose levies

The Cape Town Collective Ratepayers’ Association (CTCRA) said the City of Cape Town should be using alternative measures that do not rely on property values for its levies.

Lawyers for the city defended its decision to introduce fixed water and sanitation charges based on property value during a four-day court battle last week.

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The South African Property Owners Association and the CTCRA hauled the city to the Western Cape High Court to argue against the fixed tariffs.

While judgment has been reserved, the CTCRA insists that property rates can legally be based on property value, but service tariffs should not.

CTCRA vice-chairperson Bouwe van der Eems said that the court proceedings revealed the city's priorities.

"It is quick to challenge national laws that restrict its ability to raise revenue, but makes no effort to challenge national laws that restrict its ability to control costs."

The city insists that its household tariffs are lawful and designed to protect lower-and-middle-income households from paying higher property rates.