22 November 2002
PR153/02
Local Government Review Essential

Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) has reiterated its demands for a review of the Rating Powers Act.

At the Federation's National Council meeting yesterday a unanimous motion was passed that "The Government should delay the enactment of the Local Government Bill until a new Rating Powers Act has been introduced and considered."

Unfortunately the Government is hell bent on driving through the Local Government Bill before Christmas, says Charlie Pedersen, National Vice President of Federated Farmers.

"Local Authorities are going to be in for a shock when they start realising that the current rate take will not cover rate payers demands unleashed by the Power of General Competence.

"The Bill will create an expectation that Local Authorities will fund activities previously funded by Central Government. I doubt we will see a commensurate reduction in taxes.

"The Government has dismissed claims that there has been inadequate consultation over the Local Government Bill. The reality is the voices of those that pay the lions share of the rates burden have fallen on deaf ears."

ENDS

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