A range of ACT government fees and charges will be frozen at 2019-20 levels in response to the coronavirus, including those for parking, development applications and business registration.
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Chief Minister and Treasurer Andrew Barr detailed the fee freeze in a statement issued on Monday morning.
He said his government was looking to ease the pressure facing Canberrans as the capital looks to recover from the wide-sweeping impacts of COVID-19.
"Many families and businesses are experiencing financial stress due to losing their jobs and personal or business income reductions," Mr Barr said.
"We know that every little bit counts, and this is one of the many ways the government can help address the cost of doing business, and the cost of living, during this pandemic."
The new financial year is just a fortnight away, and the territory government typically marks July 1 by increasing several fees and charges. But with the pandemic having hit hard, many will be frozen heading into 2020-21.
Mr Barr said the government fees to remain at current levels would also include those for birth, death and marriage registration, building, domestic animals, emergencies, land titles, public health and the security industry.
"This comes on top of a number of financial support measures provided by the ACT government during the pandemic, including rebates on rates, incentives for commercial and residential rental relief and payroll tax concessions," he said.
"Electricity bills are also expected to drop following a determination by the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission on regulated electricity prices in the ACT."
The commission's decision, released earlier this month, means the average Canberra household's annual electricity bill will fall by $43 next financial year. Businesses are likely to see a drop of between $66 and $265.
Canberrans will also be spared an increase in water and sewerage charges in 2020-21 after monopoly supplier Icon Water's decision to freeze prices at the current levels was revealed on Friday.
Icon Water was allowed to increase prices by 1.5 per cent in 2020-2021 under rules set by the commission, but decided not to impose a price hike in a move that will save the average household about $18 on its annual bill. Non-residential customers will save between $50 and $410.
