United Future sells out - again

United Future’s copping a broadside from the National Party after it opted to back the controversial Local Government Bill.

“Once again United Future’s proven itself to be all talk and no substance,” says the National Party’s Local Government spokesman Gerry Brownlee.

“After voicing concerns about the extra costs the Bill would impose on ratepayers, United Future now seems largely content with legislation that’s largely unchanged.

“The so-called ‘common sense party’ opposed this legislation when it was introduced, but then helped it through select committee, Now it’ll vote for the urgency which will allow the Labour Government to ram it through.

“For all their concessions to Labour, United Future’s got very little return.

“Maori wards remain, the contentious power of general competence remains, excessive consultations remain and therefore the potential for rates increases still remains,” Mr Brownlee says.

“What United Future’s ‘won’ is a review in 2007, is that the best they could get to address the concerns of business and ratepayers?

“And about that review - after seven years of higher rates, more consultation and special Maori representation, will we actually get it or will it be buried like this Labour Government’s managed to bury the review of MMP?” Mr Brownlee asks.

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