Residents of Kingston retirement villages feel that the local council is using them as ‘cash cows’ and are demanding they make rates fairer.

They argue that retirement villages are providing services the council doesn’t, and should be charged accordingly.

"We provide a lot of services ourselves, like maintaining our lighting, roads, parks and garbage collection, so it doesn't make sense to be paying full council rates," said Tony Mayer of Aspendale Gardens' Richfield Retirement Village.

"We're also living in much higher density than some of our neighbours but we are paying the same rates per property.

"We feel like we're cash cows for the council."

Yet there are indications that the council is beginning to understand their position.

Although Kingston Mayor Ron Brownlees (pictured) believes village residents are not punished by current structures, he has flagged a willingness to listen.

"I have an open mind about this, but if we bring in a differential rate with the same level of service, then we will have to raise rates across the rest of Kingston," Cr Brownlees said.

"Or perhaps we find the money by closing a library or park; it's important for the village residents to offer some solutions."