The rates bill for many Waikato ratepayers is set to decrease on average by 1.3 per cent.

But for some ratepayers whose property valuations have increased well above the average in the past year in some district council areas, their Waikato Regional Council rates bill may go up.

The rates announcement comes after the Waikato Regional Council adopted its 2016/17 Annual Plan today.

In a media statement, the regional council says it will be collecting about $80.7 million in rates revenue in 2016/17, which equates to a reduction in rates revenue from existing ratepayers of 1.3 per cent.

To understand the impact on rates for your property visit the Waikato Regional Council's website at: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/rates

Also during today's meeting, an amendment to the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan which takes into account council's decision to establish a regional fund for essential emergency services was also adopted.

'Council approved the accountability and reporting framework for the regional services fund. It also gave staff the green light to draft funding deeds with the surf lifesaving, Coastguard and rescue helicopter services.”

The proposal to establish a fund to contribute to these important regional services attracted 75 per cent of submissions during consultation over March and April this year.

You can read the annual plan when it is upload next week by visiting the Waikato Regional Council's website at: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/annualplan