Media release

26 June 2014

Council adopts budget for 2014

Auckland Council has adopted the Annual Plan 2014/2015, outlining what the council plans to do during the next financial year as well as its investments and financial policy.

The plan details the organisation’s proposed budget, activities and investment programme for the next financial year, including an average rate increase of 2.5 per cent. It also includes local board agreements that highlight each of the board’s local priorities, projects and advocacy issues.

The council plans to invest $1.15 billion in new and improved assets, including:

• $215m to purchase further electric trains and $70m to progress the City Rail Link

• $97m to invest in local and sports parks

• $23m to continue development of new libraries in Massey North, Te Atatu Peninsula, Devonport, Flat Bush and Ōtāhuhu

• $23m to upgrade town centres, including New Lynn, Westgate, Māngere Mt Albert and Pukekohe.

As well this, Annual Plan included $183 million of efficiency savings to be achieved across council.

“Aucklanders have told us they want financial prudence, which is the why this annual plan is based on on-going savings, a low average rate increase and judicious investment” says Mayor Len Brown.

“These same principles will be echoed in our approach to our 10 year budget, the Long-term plan, which is a conversation we will be having with Aucklanders later on in the year”.

The average rates increase for the 2014/2015 financial year has reduced from an average of 4.9 per cent (as projected in our 10-year long-term plan) to an average of 2.5 per cent, which is an average increase of 0.1 per cent for businesses and 3.7 per cent for residents.

Other key decisions include providing funding on a one-off basis for a “trial” annual arts festival in 2016, rather than one held every two years.

Decision making on a proposed stadium strategy has been referred to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee meeting in July.

An electronic copy of the annual plan will be available from the Auckland council website by 25 July 2014 including large print or MS Word versions. Hard copies will be available at all libraries, service centres and local board offices.

Ends

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