Aucklanders Pay For Greedy Government

Rodney Hide
Monday, 12 December 2005
Press Releases - Local Government

Auckland City Council's proposed rates increases of 55% to 196% over the next ten years are outrageous and will be a huge shock to ratepayers, says the Member of Parliament for Epsom, Rodney Hide.

"Hiking the average rates bill by 55% - the 'cheapest' option proposed - would drive people from our great city. Every ratepayer in Auckland should be outraged at this proposal," Mr Hide said.

"Greedy Government is no longer just a problem emanating from the Beehive. City and regional councils, given the 'power of general competence' by Labour, are growing out of control.

"Government - in all its forms - should be smaller and smarter. Local bodies need to think harder about alternative funding, and focus on core services. Local government has got plenty of resources to hassle ratepayers with dopey laws but no money for basic infrastructure. It's time local government got back to the basics.

"In the last parliament I submitted a Member's Bill that would have limited increases in rates to the level of inflation. Councils wanting to raise rates by a greater amount had to prove their mandate by holding a referendum.

"I will re-submit my Bill in this parliament, so that ratepayers can get relief from out of control local bureaucrats," Mr Hide said.

ENDS

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