Calls for Government Intervention Premature But Inevitable

The Taxpayers’ Union is reacting to calls for a Crown Manager to be appointed to shepherd Auckland Council through its budget crisis, with disappointment. Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams, says:

“Putting Auckland into what is effectively supervision by an administrator would send shockwaves. Auckland Council needs to fix its own mess, cut the fat, and pay down debt if it is to avoid these sorts of measures.”

“There is still a lot of water to flow under the bridge, Mr Brown has eleven months to come up with a creditable budget that doesn’t break his promise of 2.5 percent rate rises. If not, there is the real risk that calls for the Government to step in will gain momentum."

Last month the Taxpayers’ Union launched Ratepayers’ Report which shows Auckland Council has:

• Liabilities of $15,858 per ratepayer (more than any other council)
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• 5,956 FTE staff
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• 811 staff earning more than $100,000 p.a.
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ENDS

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