16 March 2016

New local government changes a blow to communities

Local government changes announced today appear to be a new way for the Government to achieve its plan to concentrate power in the hands of a few, the Green Party said.

The Local Government Minister announced reforms today to create larger Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs), and to give more power to the Local Government Commission.

“The Government’s plans to push through local government amalgamations haven’t worked, so it is now trying to do it through the back door,” Green Party local government spokesperson Jan Logie said today.

“The Government has been embarrassed by rejections of amalgamation by the people of Wellington and Hawke’s Bay, and it’s now looking to wield a heavier hand.

“Increasing powers of the Local Government Commission, who are appointed by central government, will mean less control for communities.

“Communities need to be in control of any reorganisation process, not Government appointees.

“Allowing the Local Government Commission to initiate proposals and set priorities for local authorities is a worrying precedent.

“More CCOs will continue this Government's preoccupation with privatising public infrastructure, and will remove local accountability,” Ms Logie said.

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