A new relationship for central and local govt.
Labour Leader Helen Clark said today that Labour in government will build a new relationship between local and central government based on mutual respect.
Launching Labour's local government policy, Helen Clark said that in recent years central government had taken a particularly negative approach to the role of local government.
"Over the past nine years, National has sought to constrain local government, stifle it, restrict its choices, and disempower it. In contrast, the Labour government will work together with regional, and local government to determine an agenda beneficial to us all.
Forum between local and central government
"Labour
will initiate a regular forum to identify issues and develop
a long-term coherent strategy for local government as a
whole. The forum will be held at least annually and will be
jointly chaired by the Prime Minister and the president of
Local Government New Zealand.
Reform of the Local
Government Act
"There also needs to be a thorough
overhaul of the outdated and overly prescriptive Local
Government Act 1974. The existing legislation imposes
compliance costs and stifles innovation. A key feature of
Labour's new legislation will be a power of general
competence for local authorities. This will enable
different communities to create different responses to local
issues.
Rates and Annual Charges
"The current
government has begun a long overdue review into local
government's rating powers. Labour will make this a
priority, with particular emphasis on reviewing the
inflexible depreciation regime and working towards
establishing a fair system of compensation for councils
which lose out on rates because of significant holdings of
government and publicly-owned land.
"Labour is also committed to not raising the 30 per cent cap on uniform annual charges on services like sewerage, water and rubbish collection. Allowing a higher proportion of revenue to come from uniform annual charges would have a severe impact on low income households.
Housing
"Housing is fundamental
to the health and well being of families and communities,
and access to quality, affordable housing is critical in our
society. Under National, some local authorities have
followed the example of central government by setting market
rents and selling housing stock.
"Labour will set a different example by introducing income-related rents and ensuring that an adequate supply of housing is available for low and modest income households. Many local authorities have had a tradition of providing housing in their communities. Labour will encourage that provision to continue.
Local and regional economic development
"Labour believes that local government can play a very
constructive role in facilitating local and regional
economic development. Many local authorities already have -
or support - active economic development agencies
"Labour will establish a new Local Economic Assistance Fund (LEAF) to encourage the development of local economic initiatives. It will also encourage local civic entrepreneurs to champion and facilitate the process.
"Local government will play a
vital role in developing a new direction for New Zealand
under the Labour Government. We see local government acting
as a mediator, a broker, and a facilitator between local
communities of interest and central government and its
agencies," Helen Clark
said.