Local Councils Relieved with Government's Rates Capping Approach

Local councils relieved with government's rates capping approach

But some want assurance the policy will not affect local councils' ability to invest in core services and infrastructure.

Rates Caps Will Hit Communities In The Pocket

“The money for essential services, like water and waste, libraries, parks and footpaths, has to come from somewhere,” Labour local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.

Government’s new rates cap aims to keep councils ‘within their means’

The new model will set a target range of 4% for annual rates increases.

Rates Caps Will Hit Communities In The Pocket – Labour

The Government’s rates cap policy will mean local communities may have start paying for essential services. “The money for essential services, like water and waste, libraries, parks and footpaths, has to come from somewhere,” Labour local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. “Councils will be left with no other option but to hike fees or start charging for services that have always been free. Or they’ll have to cut services altogether – e…

Government Sets New Limits On Council Rates

In a major shift for local government funding, the New Zealand Government has confirmed plans to restrict annual council rate increases to between 2% and 4% per capita. The move aims to protect what the Government calls local government's “social licence” while addressing concerns over rising household costs due to steep rates hikes.Local Government Minister Simon Watts said the full cap will be in place by 2029, though councils will start adapt…