John Carter MP
National Party Local Government Spokesman

1 November 2006

Rates inquiry to cost at least $8,300 a day

National Party Local Government spokesman John Carter says the independent inquiry into rates had better come up with ways to reduce rates bills given that it's costing the taxpayer at least $8,300 a day.

"A rough back-of-the-envelope calculation makes for interesting reading."

* The rates inquiry is due to report on July 31, or in nine months.

* There are approx 180 working days in nine months

* At a total cost of $1.5 million for the inquiry, that means it will cost taxpayers a total of $8,300 a day, or $2,700 for each of the three experts (before taking into account other costs like travel, etc).

Mr Carter says that is a high price to pay for Labour to avoid the embarrassment of being rolled in a select committee inquiry.

"Yet, one of the single biggest issues in local government does not appear to be in line for any attention at all with this inquiry. That is the question about which activities ratepayers believe their local councils should be involved in."

ENDS

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