13 February 2012

Council takes steps to protect property files

People wishing to view property files at the Waikato District Council’s Tuakau Office will now have to make an appointment and pay $34 to view a file.

From 1 March, appointments will be necessary to view property files as opposed to anyone visiting the council having free access.

General manager regulatory Nath Pritchard said this change from free access takes into consideration the council’s legal responsibility and liability for the release of official information and ensures the council does not release confidential information.

“Historically the files have been viewed by people with genuine reason and occasionally those with unreasonable intent,” he said.

“We have had situations where property information has been removed or copied from files. Now all files are being audited prior to public release and an appointment time means the property information officer can go through the file and check it before and after it is viewed.”

A fee of $34 will apply to view files and it is the aim of the council to make appointments within 24 hours. The fee covers the time required to check and audit files for public viewing.

Customers can also request an appointment with the property information officer for advice and assistance on any matters pertaining to the property. There is an additional charge of $34 per half an hour for this service.

“Often the information held in a property file can paint a picture but this change in procedure enables more communication with our customer and gives us the opportunity to promote a LIM report as a more valid source of property information,” Mr Pritchard said.

This change in procedure was implemented at other Waikato District Council offices in September last year.

ENDS

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