Chamber supports “Better Local Government” reforms

Chamber supports “Better Local Government” reforms

The Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce has announced its support for the “Better Local Government” reforms, announced by Prime Minister John Key and the Minister for Local Government Dr. Nick Smith, earlier this week.

Chamber Vice President Katja Williams said local government policies and decisions had a major impact on business success and expansion.

“It is important that local government operate in a consistent and efficient manner.”

“High rates, business targeted rates, the inconsistent application of development contributions, and differing compliance regimes, bylaws and policies, in different parts of Hawke's Bay have a negative impact on business and successful business development.”

Ms Williams said the proposal to limit growth in council spending to inflation and population growth, with exceptions for extraordinary matters, and to limit debt levels was an important step, because those cost increases also fell on business.

“This is a matter that the Chamber has regularly advocated to the councils”.

She said the proposal to streamline council reorganisation procedures was “well-conceived”, given that the current reorganisation process is overly complex and lengthy.

“In light of this strong signal from central government, the proposed "regional study" to be undertaken by our local councils clearly needs to include a review of our local government structure, to see if there is a better solution for Hawke's Bay.”

Ms Williams said it was the Chamber’s view that the terms of reference for the regional study were “far too vague” and needed to be more specific, in order to give proper weight to the critical matter.

“The Chamber has been a long-time advocate for local council reorganisation and there is a lot of support in the community to review local governance.”

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