Media Release

Monday 28th August 2006

Take 20% off rates

Stephnie de Ruyter, Leader of Democrats for social credit, today called for an across the board rates reduction of 20%.

“Rates could be reduced by 20% right now if the government were to listen to calls by ratepayers to remove GST and to fund essential infrastructure through the provision of interest-free overdraft facilities by the Reserve Bank for council” Ms de Ruyter said.

“A lack of political will to adopt these simple measures is the only obstacle facing councils genuinely seeking ways to reduce rates. All necessary infrastructure upgrades and improvements could still be addressed but without the interest bearing debt of the current system.

“Paying GST on rates has long been recognised by ratepayers as an unfair tax. The government’s reluctance to face this issue has helped keep rates high, and added to the tax burden.

“Ratepayers of all ages are finding it difficult to meet the increasing costs of home ownership, and the ever-increasing rates bill just adds to that difficulty. A reduction of 20% would certainly relieve the pressure in many households.

“It’s time the government either adopted alternative practices by removing GST and making loans available through the Reserve Bank, or offered an explanation as to why these steps have not been taken” Ms de Ruyter concluded.

ENDS

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