Business Community Should be Pleased with Local Government Bill

For immediate release on Wednesday 11 December 2002

Chief Executive of Local Government New Zealand, Peter Winder, said that the business community have had a number of their concerns addressed and should be pleased with the reported back version of the Local Government Bill.

“Firstly the Non Resident ratepayer franchise has been reinstated, preserving the right for many council ratepayers to vote and ensuring that the no taxation without representation principle remains,” Mr Winder stated.

“Secondly, all draft long term council community plans must be audited and contain a statement from the auditor when they are presented to the community for consultation. This should ensure Council’s apply the highest standards in their forecasting and analysis work to support proposals, “he said.

“The Bill also contains strict provisions around the use of ratepayers’ money. Councils cannot use rates to underwrite or unfairly subsidise trading activities by Council Controlled Trading Organisations,” Mr Winder said.

“It should also be noted that the Bill has been substantially re-written in a way that reduces compliance costs – yet another reason for the business community to be pleased,” Mr Winder concluded.

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