PENSIONER concessions on council rates could be next in line to take a hit from the federal budget, Lake Macquarie council has heard.
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Pensioner concessions in Lake Macquarie cost $4,433,529 a year. The state government contributes $2,438,441 towards this figure in the form of an annual rebate to the council. This leaves the council $1,995,088 out of pocket. During a discussion about the ways in which last month's federal budget could affect local government, councillor Laurie Coghlan said this could change.
He speculated the state government might axe its contribution if it had to tighten spending to cope with federal budget cuts. The state budget will be handed down on Tuesday, June 17.