Local government associations want to confirm the return of indexation of Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs).

FAGs are used to pay for a wide range of council services, so without them many already-struggling regions will find it even harder to deliver.

In 2014 the Government froze indexation of FAGs for three years. According to the Government’s estimates, the freeze will see councils miss out on close to $1 billion over the four years to 30 June 2018.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has launched the ‘End the Freeze Campaign’, including  a website and a council advocacy kit to assist councils take an active part in the campaign through templates, talking points, background information and a planned Twitter campaign.

ALGA is encouraging councils to write to their local federal member and use local media to communicate local stories from the frontline.

ALGA president Mayor David O’Loughlin said councils need certainty on the vital grant scheme.

“ALGA’s number one advocacy priority over the next two months is to ensure that the Government honours its commitment to restore indexation to FAGs in this year’s Federal Budget,” he said.

“With Budget preparations and discussions already well underway, now is the time to remind the Commonwealth of its commitments to local government.”