Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Not Good Enough: Council’s Rates Hike One Of Largest In The Country
The West Coast Regional Council’s proposed 27% rates hike is being slammed as one of the largest increases in the country.
Commenting, Local Government Campaigns Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union, Sam Warren, said:
“Due to either an inability, or unwillingness, to find savings within its own operations, councils continue to burden ratepayers within unreasonable hikes during a cost-of-living crisis. Any increase to rates above the level of inflation is unacceptable.
“The West Coast Regional Council is no exception. According to our most recent Ratepayers’ Report, the average salary for managers is $130,000, with about 20 percent of all FTE staff being paid over six-figures.
“West Coast’s excessive rate hikes are due to an increases in operational expenses, some areas being more avoidable than others. Households up and down New Zealand are tightening their belts and doing more with less, so why not councils as well?”
Gordon Campbell: On Pauline Hanson’s Rise, And The TOP Renaissance
New Zealand Alliance Party: Alliance Party Firmly Opposes “Backdoor Privatisation” Of Kiwibank
Taxpayers' Union: New Poll - Coalition Still Ahead; Luxon Regains 'Preferred Prime Minister' Top-Spot
NZ National Party: Judith Collins’ Valedictory Speech
Forest And Bird: Government Biodiversity Credit Scheme Welcomed As Opportunity For Restoration
Office of the Ombudsman: Ombudsman Publishes Findings On Ministry Of Education Sensitive Claims Scheme
Nelson City Council: Mayor Welcomes Auditor-General Decision Not To Prosecute Councillor
