23 August 2006
Independent inquiry into rates issues to be established
The Government is to establish an independent inquiry into issues around local government rates funding, Local
Government Minister Mark Burton announced today.
Mark Burton said the government will develop the inquiry's terms of reference in consultation with other parties. The
terms of reference and other details of the inquiry will be released in due course.
"This is an important issue which is concerning central government, local government, and ratepayers. The Labour-led
Government believes an independent inquiry is the best way to consider these issues.
"We have been working closely with New Zealand First because, like us, they are concerned to ensure that this issue is
dealt with in an independent manner. I look forward to wide Parliamentary support for this inquiry process," Mark Burton
said.
Mark Burton said the inquiry will be able to consider the work of the joint Central Government/Local Authority funding
project, which will report to the Central Government/Local Government Forum in October.
ENDS