Homebuyers Should Not Be Used as Political Pawns

TUESDAY 5 MAY 2015

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is calling on the Auckland Council and the Government to settle their differences and put homeowners first in solving the Auckland housing crisis. Auckland Council is reportedly dragging its feet with regard to the a number of the Government's 'special housing areas' demanding the Government stump up cash to pay for infrastructure.

Ratepayers’ Alliance Spokesperson, Jo Holmes, says:

"Suburban infrastructure has always been the responsibility of local councils. Len Brown is effectively playing Russian roulette with the Government hoping that Wellington blinks and gets out the chequebook.”

“How dare the Council use families wanting to buy a house as bargaining chips in a game of politics with the Government.”

“Everyone can see that Auckland Council needs more money for roading and pipes for new suburbs. Incredibly though, while the Council cries poverty, the Council's forecast spending on infrastructure is decreasing while it ploughs money into nice-to-haves.”

"Ratepayers, and potential homeowners, want results. The Council need to get on with doing their job, reallocate funding to the necessary infrastructure, and allow more homes to be built."

ENDS