Honiara City Council repeals 2024 ordinance and introduces 2025 fees with reductions to ease financial pressures on businesses and residents.
The Honiara City Council (HCC) has reduced its fees and charges for 2025, following a significant spike in 2023 that drew widespread criticism from businesses and residents. These adjustments are part of the Honiara City (2025 Fees, Rates, and Charges) Ordinance 2024, gazetted on December 30, 2024, and effective from January 1, 2025.
The fee increases in 2023 led HCC to approve a larger budget of SBD 64.05 million for 2024, which included a 5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for employees, effective January 1, 2024. However, the sharp rise in fees—exceeding 50% in some sectors—placed significant financial pressure on businesses, sparking widespread discontent. The lack of public consultation before the 2023 changes further fueled criticism and calls for greater transparency.
In 2025, HCC adopted a more conservative approach, repealing the Fees, Rates, and Charges Ordinance 2024 and introducing a new ordinance that includes reduced fees and charges across several sectors. Alongside this, the council approved a revised budget of SBD 60.7 million, representing a reduction of SBD 3.35 million from the previous year’s budget.
The HCC 2025 budget will ensure HCC continues its work in enhancing infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and fostering community well-being.
The updated fees took effect on January 1, 2025.
Source: AGC
