16 May 2006

Ratepayers Will Not Stand For More Huge Rate Increases Another Rates Revolt On The Cards

A leaked story in today's NZ Herald reveals that Auckland's local body leaders are having secret meetings with central government - the outcome of which is bad news for the people of Auckland.

Ratepayers are again facing the bleak prospect of huge and regular rate increases to pay for attempt to ease Auckland's traffic congestion.

Today's New Zealand Herald front page story shows that local politicians are both inept and ineffective.

Mayor Hubbard's should stop bleating about 'leaks' from 'secret' meetings

Ratepayers do not want their local body leaders holding secret meetings with central government and then coming away with nothing more than a flea in their collective ear.

And Dr Cullen cannot expect already overburdened Auckland ratepayers to meekly accept huge rate increases from the Regional Council on top of the 10% or so increase likely to be set by local city councils.

It is only three years since the rates revolt against ARC rate rises.

There are already calls from within the community for another rates revolt.

And that may indeed happen unless all levels of government - central, regional and local - move quickly to abolish rates and introduce a new system of funding for local councils.

ENDS

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