Regional fuel tax coming to a town near you!

20 APRIL 2018

All New Zealanders should brace themselves for a regional fuel tax as Christchurch City Council seeks to expand the Government’s bill, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, “Taxes are like seeds – they grow. It was only a matter of time before another council tried to latch on to the fuel tax teat.”

“So, it’s no surprise that Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel is asking the Government to expand the fuel tax bill to include local councils like Christchurch City.”

“Fuel tax is already being hiked via the nationwide policy announced a few weeks ago, so Dalziel is asking Christchurch motorists to face double the pain.”

“It’s amazing that fuel taxes are being pushed by Labour, and in Christchurch, a Labour-affiliated mayor: fuel taxes disproportionately harm people on low incomes who dedicate a greater portion of their earnings to fuel.”

“This proposal is especially offensive at a time when Christchurch ratepayers face an average rate hike of five and a half percent. Most of the funds collected by these rates service management and the expansion of the role of the council rather than basic infrastructure. Surely it’s time for the Council to start cutting costs?”

Note to editors: As the Land Transport Management (Regional Fuel Tax) Amendment Bill stands only regional councils (including unitary authorities such as Auckland Council) can impose regional fuel taxes.
ENDS

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