Marlborough District Council is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to consent-related fees for the 2026/2027 year, covering Building Control, Dog Control, Environmental Health, and Resource Consent services.

Council confirmed a series of proposed changes at its Environment and Planning Committee meeting yesterday and is seeking public feedback on the proposals from Tuesday, 7 April until 5pm on Thursday, 7 May.

Environment and Planning Committee Chair Barbara Faulls said the annual review and proposed fee changes are an important part of maintaining high service standards while balancing the interests of both users and ratepayers. “We’re very aware that increased costs affect everyone, and we’re working hard to keep Council services efficient and affordable. These adjustments are about maintaining quality services while doing everything possible to limit the financial impact on households. By adjusting fees in line with inflation and operational costs, we ensure that the beneficiaries of Council services contribute fairly, without shifting unnecessary costs onto the wider community and ratepayers,” Councillor Faulls said.

From 1 July 2026, a 3.1% Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase would apply to Building Control fees, alongside targeted amendments such as a simplified fee band structure and updated charges for specific services.

The Committee also approved a 7.8% increase to dog registration and pound fees. Dog control services play a vital role in keeping Marlborough safe and enjoyable for everyone. This increase ensures Council can continue to meet statutory requirements, respond to community needs, and maintain facilities and education programmes. The last fee increase was in 2024. This decision aligns with Council’s Revenue and Financing Policy, which maintains the 80/20 split between dog owners and the wider community for funding animal control services. The new fees will take effect from 1 July 2026.

For Environmental Health fees, the Council is proposing an 8% increase—above the standard CPI adjustment—to align with its Revenue and Financing Policy’s 60:40 user-pays-to-ratepayer funding split. Council is committed to ensuring those who directly benefit from Environmental Health services contribute a fair share of the costs while reducing pressure on general rates.

A 3.1% CPI-linked increase to Resource Consent fees was also recommended. This is vital to maintaining the council’s ability to meet statutory obligations while supporting the sustainable management of Marlborough’s natural and physical resources.

The Committee also undertook its annual review of Resource Consent and Permitted Activity Monitoring fees and charges. The review recommends a 3.1% CPI increase to the fixed annual monitoring charges for water take meters, moorings, and to the officer hourly charge-out rate, with no increase proposed for the fixed annual administration charge. Council will be consulting on introducing new charges for investigating and responding to complaints where breaches are confirmed, as well as charges for issuing and enforcing abatement notices and enforcement orders, and a reduction in fixed monitoring charges for consents with more than one water take meter.

These proposed changes reflect recent legislative amendments and are designed to ensure that those generating compliance costs contribute directly, rather than relying on the general ratepayer. Council invites feedback on these proposals, which aim to align with updated legislation and improve overall cost recovery.

Consultation on proposed fee changes for Building Control, Resource Consent charges, and Environmental Health services begins Tuesday, 7 April, with submissions closing at 5pm on Thursday, 7 May.

Council wants to ensure everyone has an opportunity to share their views. For more information or to make a submission, visit https://haveyoursay.marlborough.govt.nz/ or www.marlborough.govt.nz

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