Auckland Councillor Cameron Brewer

Friday, 28 October 2011

Mayor’s low rates promise very disingenuous

Auckland Mayor Len Brown’s promise to keep rate increases at the rate of inflation has turned out to be very disingenuous, says Auckland Councillor for Orakei, Cameron Brewer, commenting on the Auckland Council’s draft 2012 – 2022 Long Term Plan.

“The Mayor continues to say he will keep general rate increases at the rate of inflation, but what we’re now seeing are all the add-ons. It’s political trickery because overall local government costs are set to skyrocket particularly for those living in the more central suburbs.

“The proposed double digit overall rate increases for the likes of the Orakei ward don’t even take into account the impact of recent property revaluations, reconfigured wastewater charges, user-pays household rubbish and recycling, and possible tolls on the existing motorway network. Those living on the Auckland isthmus are going to be hit the hardest and believe me this is by design not accident.

“Charging rates based on property values is a very blunt instrument indeed but the Mayor’s latest rates plan just makes it even blunter. He has a vision of a compact city and intensifying the Auckland isthmus, but no one’s going to be able to afford to live here. The number of Auckland retirees is set to double over the next 20 years, but rating policies like this will only drive them to Tauranga and the Gold Coast.

“The figures show that the Mayor’s proposed low $350 Uniformed Annual General Charge will have a very negative impact on those who already pay the highest rates. I will continue advocating for a higher UAGC, preferably a $650 one which would still deliver a slight rates increase for my ward but would be much fairer across the board. Everyone uses council services regardless of their property value and a higher uniform charge would help capture that.

“The Mayor’s latest rating policy is nothing more than an envy tax. It’s typical Labour Party stuff which sees him rewarding his supporters in the South and West. It clearly paints him into a corner,” says Cameron Brewer.

Ends

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