Responding to today’s publicity that the investigation and report by EY into Len Brown’s misconduct has cost Auckland ratepayers more than $250,000, Jordan Williams, Executive Director of the Taxpayers’ Union says:

How has a $75,000 report turned into a quarter-million dollar cost blow out? What went wrong in the EY investigation to cause it to take weeks longer and cost ratepayers so much more?”

“The arrogance of Mr Brown to suggest that the amount he pays back may be kept confidential is staggering. Legal advice received by the Taxpayers’ Union is clear that the public is entitled to the information.”

“Auckland Council appears to be ignoring its obligations under freedom of information laws. The Taxpayers' Union alone has seven information requests that are months overdue. What is Len Brown hiding?”

“It was solely Mr Brown’s conduct that made the EY report necessary. We understand that it was his lack of cooperation and dependence on lawyers that caused the costs to escalate. The Council should be taking all steps necessary to recover the full amount. Councillors should be explaining how it is fair that ratepayers pick up the tab."

ENDS

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