Press Release
Minister Welcomes Report On Role Of Local Government
Rodney Hide MP
Thursday, November 27 2008
Local Government Minster Rodney Hide today welcomed a report on the core role of local government released today by the Local Government Forum.

"The report identifies the core 'public good' activities that Councils need to focus on, and examines the way in which Councils have in recent years steadily expanded their role - at great expense to ratepayers - well beyond these core activities," Mr Hide said.

"The report reflects my view that Councils should stick to doing the basics well, and giving good value and service to ratepayers.

"While this was the view of successive governments over many years, the last government promoted a much more expansive view of Councils' activities by giving them wider purposes and a power of general competence.

"In many cases this has contributed to huge increases in spending and rates, which the government is determined to rein in to reduce the burden on households and businesses.

"I will be looking at ways of achieving this goal and I welcome constructive ideas. The Local Government Forum's report is an excellent contribution and I commend it to all interested parties in the local government sector," Mr Hide said.

ENDS

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