Ratepayers Not Hornswoggled by PNCC Rates Hike Spin

7 MARCH 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Palmerston North ratepayers won't accept their City Council’s proposed 3.1% rates hike in 2017/2018, and will not be influenced by their spin doctors’ claim that this is good news for them.

Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says:

“While the Council's Chief Executive is gloating that they have kept the rates hike below the estimated 4.5%, we think it is nothing more than a ‘bait and switch’. Claiming that a 3.1% rates hike is good, because the Council had previously indicated an outrageous figure of 4.5%, is laughable. Inflation is only 1.3%.”

“The Council might be trying to spin this as a good deal, but ratepayers, particularly those on fixed incomes, aren’t going to be fooled.”

“The odd rate hike of this size may be justifiable in areas like Queenstown and Auckland, which are experiencing considerable growth. For Palmerston North ratepayers, however, it’s a kick in the guts.”

ENDS

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