# The City of Cape Town will open a new public participation process on its 2026/2027 budget amendments. This follows a ruling by the High Court in the Western Cape which changed how municipalities can set tariffs. The city says the changes will likely result in higher fixed water and sanitation charges for lower- and middle-income households, while higher-value properties may pay less. To cushion the impact, the city proposes increasing the rate-free property threshold and expanding indigent relief.
Cape Town proposes budget changes after High Court ruling