Households spared big hikes in WA budget

The West Australian treasurer has announced a two per cent increase in average household costs, with many families relieved it wasn't a bigger hike.

The average West Australian household will be slapped an extra $127.77 per year for utilities and other fees under the 2019/20 state budget, but it is a much softer increase following more than a decade of substantial hip pocket pain.

It is the lowest rise in 13 years and compares to a $292 hike last year.

From July 1, the electricity price will rise at the forecast rate of inflation of 1.75 per cent, equating to almost $31.

Water and sewerage will go up 2.5 per cent, or about $43.

Standard public transport users will fork out an additional $23 per year while student fares will remain at 70 cents per trip.

Vehicle registration and insurance will go up by 2.6 per cent, or about $22.

But there will be no increase to the cost of obtaining a driver's licence.

The emergency services levy will rise by 2.7 per cent, or $8.

There will be no change to stamp duty.

Concessions and subsidies also remain available for families and seniors in need, Treasurer Ben Wyatt says, while the Hardship Utility Grant Scheme will continue, with $40 million to provide financial assistance and counselling services.

Mr Wyatt announced electricity concessions and rebates, which were previously flat, were now pegged to residential tariff rises.

He conceded "no one likes a bill increase" but said the problem with putting a freeze on fees and charges was that it created a "time bomb" for the inevitable.

Mr Wyatt gave no guarantee electricity price increases would remain at the rate of inflation next year.

"It's always been (determined) on an annual basis," he told reporters.

The treasurer denied the decision on household fees and charges was a bid to win over voters in the federal election, insisting it had no influence.

"This has been our own process and our own decision," he said.


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Source: AAP



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