The cost of owning a property in the Upper Hunter is set to increase from next month.

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal has given the go ahead to our local council to hike their rates over an above the standard zero-point-seven per cent rate pegging amount.

Muswellbrook Shire Council rates will rise the most after they asked for and were approved to charge and extra two-and-a-half per cent compared to last year.

Singleton and Upper Hunter shires will be permitted to increase their rates by a slightly more modest two per cent.

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