Sandra Goudie MP
National Party Internal Affairs Spokeswoman
John Carter MP
National Party Local Government Spokesman

13 June 2006

Fire Service funding option an outrage

Rick Barker’s suggestion that ratepayers may have to fund the Fire Service is an outrage, says National’s Internal Affairs spokeswoman, Sandra Goudie.

She is commenting on a statement by Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker that local rates are being considered as a funding option as part of a review of New Zealand’s fire and rescue services.

“Public safety must be a top priority, but the costs shouldn’t be lumped onto ratepayers,”says Ms Goudie.

“Local bodies will have no alternative but to pass on the costs.”

National Party Local Government spokesman John Carter says ratepayers are paying the price for inadequate Government policy.

“This is yet another example of extra responsibilities and extra costs being lumped onto local government by Labour,” says Mr Carter.

Ms Goudie says Rick Barker should assure ratepayers that they won’t be forced to foot yet another bill.

ENDS

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