In 2016, the Victorian State Government introduced rate capping to restrict the amount that Local Government councils can raise their annual general rates. The rate cap is set each year by the Minister for Local Government. The overall focus was to rein in excessive rate rises and allow rate comparisons between Councils, however some Councils like Indigo Shire Council have used other charge schemes to give the appearance of lower rates. Local Government Victoria said this has resulted in councils bypassing the Victorian State governments rate cap.