October 29, 1999
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hon Maurice Williamson Minister of Local Government
HUGE RATE INCREASES UNDER LABOUR
The only clear message coming from Labour's Local Government policy is the certainty of huge rate increases, Local
Government Minister Maurice Williamson said today.
"Labour talk about giving Councils increased powers to get even more involved in issues such as community housing,
employment creation, economic development and health services. Councils are already involved in some of these issues,
but having them double up on work already being done by Central Government would invariably lead to rate increases and
cost hikes for the very communities they are supposed to serve."
"If the policy was enacted, residential and commercial ratepayers could expect to deal with increased bureaucracy and
red tape, something National is trying to reduce. Business can expect additional costs and time delays. Rate increases
would inevitably result if Labour went ahead with its plan to further expand the role and power of local government in
people's lives."
"National believes there is a very important place for local authorities in New Zealand's future development. But giving
them unfettered powers which overlap with the work already being undertaken by Central Government could only lead to
inefficiency and increased costs."
"Not only would Labour increase taxes, but their local government policy would severely burden ratepayers, the people
they claim it would benefit."
ENDS