Mayor publishes 2014-15 Council budget

Mayor Len Brown today published his proposed 2014-15 Budget for Auckland Council, which will deliver an average rates increase of 2.5 percent across Auckland businesses and households.

The budget follows public consultation on the Mayor’s draft annual budget and will be tabled on Thursday for adoption by the Council’s Budget Committee.
The budget delivers on commitments set out in the third year of the Council’s long-term plan, including new capital investments of $1.2 billion and cost and efficiency savings of $24 million.

Highlights include:
• An immediate review of Council and CCO capital programmes to identify $300 million in new savings and possible deferral of projects - as part of the preparation of the 2015-25 Long Term Plan .
• A one-off capital grant of $900,000 to the Auckland Regional Rescue Helicopter Trust along with a proposal to work with government to review the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding legislation

Len Brown said: “This budget continues my commitment to balance low and stable rates rises with investment to meet the needs of a growing city.

“The Council’s focus is now shifting to the review of our 2015-25 long term plan, which will require us to make some tough choices about Auckland’s priorities as we look to more aggressively manage down our debt levels while delivering low and stable rates rises.

“I will be leaving no stone unturned in looking at smart and innovative ways to deliver the investments Auckland needs, including commercial partnerships, public private partnerships and alternative funding options.”

The Mayor’s proposal is available at http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2014/05/BUD_20140508_AGN_4807_AT.PDF

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