Rate increase of just 2% for average ratepayer proposed

Hutt City Council is proposing to retain its reputation of having one of the lowest rate increases in the country.

A rate increase of just two percent for the average Lower Hutt ratepayer in the coming financial year was put forward by Mayor Ray Wallace and Councillors at yesterday’s public Draft Annual Plan 2011/12 meeting.

Mayor Ray Wallace says keeping rates down is a positive for the city as many households and businesses are still struggling with the lingering effects of recession.

“As a Council we have listened to our communities and made a commitment to keep rates as low as possible,” he says.

Council is also reducing its rate of debt reduction to ensure rates are kept low and investment in the city continues.

“When our debt reduction target was set a number of years ago, no allowance was made for inflation. It makes sense to account for this by reducing our debt to $40 million in 2015 rather than $30 million so we don’t have exorbitant rate increases and continue to deliver the infrastructure, assets and services our rate payers expect.”

The Draft Annual Plan 2011/12 will be open for public consultation from 19 April to 19 May and Mayor Wallace wants to encourage residents to have their say.

“It’s important people give us their feedback on the draft plan as it not only sets rates, but outlines how Council is proposing to prioritise its spending across the city.”

A summary of the Draft Annual Plan with a questionnaire will be distributed in the Hutt News on 19 April. Copies of the full draft plan will also be available from Council’s main reception, libraries and www.huttcity.govt.nz from 19 April.

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