NoMoreRates.com

The nationwide campaign to replace the present system of council rates –

And to comment on Local Government issues.

Founder – David Thornton

MEDIA RELEASE

10 July 2013

[statement by David Thornton]

Why are Auckland Council staff refusing to give an elected councillor access to information?

Ratepayers need to know why.

The reported refusal by Auckland Council senior staff to give an elected member information she has requested is alarming, especially in the current climate in which some councils are in trouble because of problems arising from failures in the transmission of information from staff to elected members.

In this case the advice being withheld relates to the Unitary Plan – the biggest item on the Council’s programme, the decisions on which will affect every Aucklander and every piece of land in Auckland.

The information being withheld is apparently legal advice which presumably has been paid for from rates.

Look what happened at Kaipara where failure by councillors to act has lead eventually to huge debt and the appointment of Commissioners.

Look what is happening  at Christchurch where officers withheld information from councillors leading to the appointment of a Crown Manager, and possible huge cost implications for ratepayers..

Councillor Coney must get support of the mayor and all other elected members to get this information made available – and the public generally should be a given a full explanation of why their elected representatives are being denied what may be critical information.

David Thornton       Writer Commentator on Local Government.

Former member North Shore City Council, Glenfield Community Board, Greater London Council.

Former RMA qualified Commissioner.   Founder NoMoreRates.com.

ENDS 

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