Taxpayers' share of Auckland transport spending set to skyrocket

11 JULY 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Taxpayers’ Union is shocked at the gall of Auckland Council relying more and more on taxpayers across the rest of the country to prop up Auckland Council’s shortfall in transport infrastructure. Reacting to the Ministerial briefing papers released earlier today by the sister group of the Taxpayers’ Union - the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance – the Union’s spokesperson Jordan Williams said:

“In 2000, the Government contributed 42% of Auckland's transport expenditure, while the Council contributed the remaining 58%. However, in 2016 the Government's share had increased to 56%. The most shocking years are still yet to come. In 2018, the Government is projected to cover 77% of Auckland's transport spend.”

“Never let it be said again that Auckland is not getting its fair share of taxes. These documents suggest that while every other region’s council contributes its fair share to local transport costs, Auckland Council is freeriding, ratcheting the pressure on Wellington, and relying on politicians bailing it out.”

“No wonder Auckland Council waste’s so much money. The documents show that the Government keeps feeding the monster, and is stepping in to fund Auckland Council’s transport while City Hall takes all the credit.”

“Auckland voted for Phil Goff to fix the City’s transport infrastructure, but these documents show he’s cutting spending in the area by 46% this financial year. Who do you believe, Auckland Council’s 150 spin doctors, or the boffins at the Ministry of Transport?”

The ministerial papers are available at www.ratepayers.org.nz/transport_spending

ENDS

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