29 August 2013

Streamlining may lead to rates rises

Increasing central government controls on local authorities may lead to rates rises, says Labour's Local Government spokesperson Su'a William Sio.

“National is putting requirements on local authorities to incorporate 30 year infrastructure strategies into their long term plans, despite the fact the vast majority of our local councils are already taking a strategic approach to the provision of infrastructure.

“By imposing new rules, the Government is loading local authorities with additional costs such as disclosures of insurances and financial risk sharing arrangements that may be passed on to rate payers.

“Undermining local democratic autonomy to introduce these measures in the name of streamlining doesn’t wash.

“Our mayors and councillors are democratically elected by their communities. They have outstanding local knowledge and are committed to building better futures for their residents.

“Most councils agree streamlining is great, but a heavy handed approach to planning is not necessary. Local authorities have the brains to get the job done,” said Su’a William Sio.

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