The City of Launceston has joined other Tasmanian councils in expressing its disappointment at a High Court decision that prevents councils from collecting general rates from some not-for-profit institutions, including retirement villages.
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Southern Cross Care Tasmania successfully appealed in the Supreme Court to remove rate payments, but that decision was appealed by four councils in the High Court.
The High Court refused to hear the appeal in a decision made last week.
The City of Launceston was not involved with the appeal, but general manager Michael Stretton said it was still a disappointing outcome for councils.
"The City of Launceston is disappointed by the decision of the High Court not to hear the appeal," he said.
"From the City of Launceston's perspective, this decision has no impact on our budget as we never levied rates against those institutions, but in real terms, the non-rating of those aged-care providers equates to around $730,000 a year."
The four councils involved in the appeal were Meander Valley, Kingborough, Hobart City and Clarence City.
SCCT paid $500,000 in rates bills to the four councils from 2016 to 2018.
Meander Valley Council claimed its rates revenue would drop $40,000 per year as a result of the decision.
The matter will now be discussed at a Local Government Association of Tasmania meeting this month, with a view to lobbying the Tasmanian Government for a "legislative approach".
SCCT acting chief executive Richard Tyberek said it reduced the financial burden on aged care residents.
