29 August 2013
Streamlining may lead to rates rises
Increasing central government controls on local authorities may lead to rates rises, says Labour's Local Government
spokesperson Su'a William Sio.
“National is putting requirements on local authorities to incorporate 30 year infrastructure strategies into their long
term plans, despite the fact the vast majority of our local councils are already taking a strategic approach to the
provision of infrastructure.
“By imposing new rules, the Government is loading local authorities with additional costs such as disclosures of
insurances and financial risk sharing arrangements that may be passed on to rate payers.
“Undermining local democratic autonomy to introduce these measures in the name of streamlining doesn’t wash.
“Our mayors and councillors are democratically elected by their communities. They have outstanding local knowledge and
are committed to building better futures for their residents.
“Most councils agree streamlining is great, but a heavy handed approach to planning is not necessary. Local authorities
have the brains to get the job done,” said Su’a William Sio.
ends