The Government has asked the Productivity Commission to examine and report on local government funding and financing arrangements. The Commission is delighted to receive the terms of reference from the Minister of Finance and Minister for Local Government which outline the context and scope of its new inquiry.

“The Commission has previously completed inquiries into local government regulation, better urban planning, using land for housing, and housing affordability and is looking forward to assessing and analysing this sector further,” says Inquiry Director, Steven Bailey.

Steven says the success of the inquiry will rely on the input, knowledge and advice of the sectors concerned. “Meaningful engagement is a key part of all our inquiries and the Commission looks forward to working alongside local and central government, agencies, organisations, public bodies, local businesses, community groups and other interested parties throughout the inquiry process to better understand local authority operations, funding and financing.”

The terms of reference are available at www.productivity.govt.nz/news/TORlocalgovt and anyone interested in the inquiry can subscribe to receive updates.

The Commission will begin the local government inquiry with the publication of an issues paper outlining its proposed approach, the context for the inquiry and a list of key questions to be addressed. The issues paper will be available in October 2018. The Commission will seek submissions from all interested parties and consult broadly to help inform and ground its analysis. Its final report to the Government is due on 30 November 2019.

Notes for editors

The terms of reference for the Local government funding and financing inquiry are: https://www.productivity.govt.nz/sites/default/files/Terms%20of%20Reference_Local%20government%20funding%20and%20financing.pdf
The New Zealand Productivity Commission – an independent Crown entity – was established in April 2011 and completes in-depth inquiry reports on topics selected by the Government, carries out productivity-related research, and promotes understanding of productivity issues.
Inquiries are comprehensive pieces of analysis, generally taking 12 -18 months to allow time for the Commission to engage extensively with interested parties. The Government chooses inquiry topics to ensure the Commission’s work is relevant to issues the Government has an interest in addressing. Once the Productivity Commission has been consulted on the intended inquiry topic, and the terms of reference confirmed, the Commission is required under its Statute to act independently.
To date, the Productivity Commissions has completed ten inquiries. The range of inquiries undertaken encompasses a broad range of issues, all critical to the wellbeing of New Zealanders. Find out more at: www.productivity.govt.nz.

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