Time for a lesson in governance and management

20 July 2007

Christchurch 2021 Council Candidate Tony Milne today blasted the Council for allowing and governance/management division to become so blurred that neutral council staff are commenting in the media defending rate increases.

“It is not the role of neutral council staff to judge whether or not rate increases are ‘affordable’* and that the people of Christchurch get ‘a lot for $24 a week’ – that is the role of democratically elected politicians”, Tony Milne said.

“It’s time for our local politicians to take a basic governance/management course. Why aren't the elected Councillors publicly defending the 7.35% rate increase they approved?" Tony Milne said.

Tony Milne also called for the return to standing committees. “A finance committee and finance chair would provide better oversight and scrutiny of the council budget and a spokesperson on financial matters”.

“At the end of the day it is up to elected politicians to provide the leadership to ensure that the governance/management division is clearly maintained to safeguard our local democracy”, Tony Milne said.

ENDS

* As reported in The Press 19 July 2007: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4132493a10.html

Christchurch Combined Residents' Association chairman Ralph Ross said rising rates put impoverished people in jeopardy.

"There are people on the financial red line who need to be considered in this whole thing. People at the bottom of the stack find themselves with an ever-increasing problem," he said.

City council funds and financial policy manager Geoff Barnes said the average rates bill of $24 a week was affordable and about the same price as a "family meal at McDonald's".

"When you consider what rates pay for – the best water in the world, effective sewerage systems, parks, roads and art galleries – it is a lot for $24 a week," he said.

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