The Shire of Collie has endorsed the most modest jump in the region at 1.55 per cent.

The annual issue of local government rates is hotly debated in the media, around dinner tables and at community gatherings - with 2019-20's offering no exception.

With people doing it tough and household bills showing no sign of reducing, council rates add an extra financial burden on WA families.

Those in local government argue rates are needed to fund infrastructure projects in our suburbs and to add requested facilities in our communities.

They say rates allow the council to provide essential services, empty our bins and maintain our public spaces.

With inflation rising, local government representatives also say rates must increase as a consequence.

However, a public debate has been ensuing this year around the issue, with many people suggesting if local councils were more stringent with existing funds, the need for rates hikes would not be there.

Talk of a rates freeze has also been coined.

With our rates notices having arrived or in the post, this week we have looked at how this area compares to others across WA.

The Shire of Collie has endorsed the most modest jump in the region at 1.55 per cent.

In comparison, Shire of Dardanup residents will be hit with a 4 per cent increase, with the City of Busselton adopting a 3.95 per cent jump and the Shire of Harvey passing a 3.5 per cent hike.

The City of Bunbury and Shire of Capel both passed a 3 per cent increase

Elsewhere, the City of Rockingham's rates have increased 3.6 per cent and the Town of Port Hedland have had a 4 per cent spike.

On the other side of the coin, the City of Melville have only approved a 1.1 per cent rise.

The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) is the peak industry body representing councils across the state.

WALGA president Lynne Craigie said rates formed an essential part of local government revenue.

"Together with their communities, councils make a decision on the level of services they wish to provide, assess their costs and the revenue they can secure from other sources and set rates according to what is required to deliver the agreed level of service," she said.

"To impose a freeze on rates would place undue pressure on councils' long-term financial management, a process already under pressure from diminishing contributions by other spheres of government.

"In other jurisdictions, rates caps have proven to have adverse impacts on infrastructure renewal."

Local government minister David Templeman said council rates were an emotive topic.

"Many people are doing it tough and tightening their belts," he said.

"Local governments are large independent bodies and are responsible for managing their budgets. As such, the state government has no role in the setting of rates.

"I fully understand the arguments behind freezing rates and I am sympathetic to those who advocate for them.

"However, I also understand the complexities of local government budgeting and the flow on impact rate freezes can have on local sporting, community and charity groups who rely on subsidised support from the sector. Local councils need to explain clearly why they might propose rate increases and justify this with their community."