Media Release
Auckland Councillors Cameron Brewer and Dick Quax
Thursday, 8 May 2014

Mayor rules any UAGC vote “out of order”

Auckland Councillors Cameron Brewer and Dick Quax’s attempts to have a vote on the Uniform Annual General Charge were ruled “out of order” by Mayor Len Brown today before councillors passed the Mayor’s 2014/15 budget by 17/4 votes.

Cameron Brewer says “I put up a proposed amendment, supported by Dick Quax, that we lift the fixed component of household rates from $373 to just $450 to help out the likes of those on fixed incomes who may be asset rich but cash poor, but the Mayor surprisingly ruled it was an issue only for next year’s Long Term Plan.

Dick Quax says “I’ve had annual debates and votes on the UAGC for many years and I know many ratepayers will be disappointed that the debate over this important lever for fairer rating was disallowed this year.

“This year’s Annual Plan consulted on the UAGC and people, organisations and local boards commented but sadly their submissions counted for nothing. It’s very disappointing,” says Cameron Brewer.

“The Mayor promises a full and frank UAGC debate leading into the revised 10-year Long Term Plan next year which rest assured some of us will take up with great vigour. It’s well overdue that household rates bills better reflect the equal access all Aucklanders have to council services, amenities, and infrastructure,” says Councillor Quax.

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