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Council indicates an average rate rise of 7.35%

Christchurch City Council today approved a schedule of projects that, if approved as part of the Draft 2007-08 Annual Plan next month, will result in a 7.35% rate increase.

The figure is 0.57% above that proposed in last year's LTCCP 2006-16.

This would result in a 6.67% increase in rates for the average priced Christchurch home of $260,000 - from $1176 to $1253 or $1.49 a week.

The following key decisions were made by Council:

* To spend $500,000 per annum for three years to support the domestic visitor campaign, as identified in the Visitor Strategy. Of the amount, $200,000 to be drawn from the Capital Endowment Interest Fund and $300,000 from rates.

* Approval for $350,000 to be spent on a campaign to attract Australian tourists to Christchurch.

* $200,000 from the Economic Development Activity 2008 to undertake the UDS Strategic Economic Inputs Study.

* An increase in car park charges in the Hospital Car Park in line with other car parks and Council policy.

* Funding to the tune of $300,000 for each of the next five years for the Centre of Excellence at QEII Park. Of the annual amount, $200,000 to be tagged for the Centre and $100,000 for events, such as World Netball Championships.

* Parking meter revenue for the 2007-08 year was budgeted at $3.94 million, 32% less then the projected LTCCP budget.

* Support for the continuation of the programme of kerb and channel renewals as in the LTCCP, endeavouring to bring forward those projects that provide the maximum subsidy levels.

* CCHL to be requested to increase the Council's dividend income by a minimum of $2 million per annum.

* A request for staff to report back on suitable action, such as increased surveillance, enforcement and education, to reduce the volume of illegal roadside litter.

* The disposal of land in Wigram Road to fund the purchase of additional cemetery land.

* To not fully fund the $4 million of deprecation on revalued streets and water assets. It was considered this will be made up from budgeted rates in future years.

Council meets on 23 March to adopt the Draft 2007-08 Annual Plan, which will then go out for community consultation, from 5 April to 8 May.

Hearings will be held from 28 to 30 May on the Annual Plan and 31 May to 5 June on the Development Contributions Policy, with Council meetings and seminar throughout June before adoption of the Annual Plan 2007-08 on 28 June.

Ends

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