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The Campaign to Replace the Present System of Council Rates With a Fairer System Including Restraints on Councils Ability to Increase Expenditure Without the Specific Approval of the Community

MEDIA RELEASE 17 August 2006

Winston Peters wrong to reject calls for Rating Cap Bill

Winston Peters is entirely wrong if he believes that the NZ First proposal for a Commission of Inquiry on rates will pacify the anger of ratepayers generally – and not just Grey Power.

He is welcome to come and see the hundreds of emails on my computer – all with stories of personal outrage and suffering, or demands for controls on uncontrolled council expenditure.

And those emails come from ratepayers of all ages – this is an ‘across the board’ rejection of the present system and ratepayers want action now.

Peters says that the Rodney Hide Rating Cap Bill is flawed and does not address the real problems of the rating system.

We totally agree – one of objectives is a completely new system of funding local government.

But we need protection now against profligate council spending. Ratepayers cannot wait for some lengthy Commission of Inquiry.

The threat to the homes of the elderly – in fact all ratepayers – is very real right now.

Peters says that there are too many things wrong with the Rating Cap Bill.

We challenge Mr Peters to support the first reading and then be prepared to make whatever changes are necessary to bring some urgent relief to ratepayers.

ENDS

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