3 APRIL 2019

Struggling ratepayers will be enraged by the massive pay cheques planned for Auckland’s politicians, says the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance.

Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesperson Jo Holmes says, “It’s galling for local politicians to lap up pay rises averaging 11 percent – including $16,000 extra for Mayor Phil Goff – while ratepayers are squeezed by the regional fuel tax, high rates, and other charges.”

“Phil Goff will no doubt try to shirk responsibility for his pay hike, saying it’s the decision of the Remuneration Authority. But he could set a powerful precedent by asking the CEO to continue paying him the 2018/19 rate and return the surplus to the Council’s general funds. The Taxpayers’ Union has even produced a form for local politicians to do just that.”

“A few months ago, thousands of our members called for a pay freeze for all Auckland Councillors, Local Board Members, and the Mayor, until new charges on ratepayers are cut down to 2.5 percent like Phil Goff promised. The principle is that when ratepayers are getting squeezed, Councillors should be too – that might actually encourage them to get their finances back under control.”

The Ratepayers’ Alliance petition to freeze pay at the Council currently has 2,500 signatures and can be signed at https://www.ratepayers.nz/pay_freeze.

ENDS

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