Affordable Auckland Will Abolish Corporate Welfare

“The handing out of ratepayer’s dollars to business lobby groups is an insidious form of corporate welfare,” says Affordable Auckland Leader Stephen Berry. “It is the buying off of opponents by Auckland Council and reeks of corruption. Affordable Auckland will oppose all corporate welfare and funding of business lobby groups.”

It has been revealed by the Auckland Ratepayer’s Alliance that since 2010, $28.5 million has been paid to 45 business lobby groups including $95,000 to the K Road Business Association and $28,000 to the Browns Bay Business Association.

“It is far from being a core council function to fund business activities. Clearly local businesses get a financial benefit when they put on community events in their area or beautify their shopping districts. Therefore the businesses themselves should be funding what is essentially an investment in their own futures.

“Auckland Council should also be working to make it as easy as possible for business associations and property owners to take their own initiative in this realm.”

Mr. Berry goes on to describe core council business as being “quality funding for naturally monopolistic goods and services that are essential to the functioning of the city.”

“When ratepayer funds become a corporate slush fund, cities find themselves in this same position Auckland is in today; burdened by financially irresponsible politicians that over-tax, over-spend and run the city into ever growing debt.”

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