Mayor publishes 2014-15 Council budget
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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