In 2008, IPART conducted a review of the regulatory framework for setting of rates and charges for local government services in NSW. IPART was asked to investigate and make recommendations on an appropriate framework to facilitate the effective and efficient provision of local government services as well as IPART's potential role in setting of local government rates and charges.Our Final Report includes a number of recommendations to improve the robustness and transparency of the rate setting process and to improve the revenue framework for local councils. These include constructing and publishing a Local Government Cost Index.