2 May 2012

Upper Hutt City Councillors vote to reject pay increases

A funding allocation recommendation from the Remuneration Authority that would see an increase in Mayor and Councillor salaries has been rejected by Upper Hutt City Council.

Upper Hutt, 2 May 2012 - Upper Hutt’s City Councillors voted at Monday morning’s Extraordinary Council meeting to recommend against taking an increase in salary funding allocated by the Remuneration Authority. This allocation would have seen Mayoral and Councillor salaries increase for the next financial year.

The Remuneration Authority is an independent body run by Central Government. Every year the authority allocates a pool of money from each council to be divvied up amongst its mayor and councillors according to their responsibilities. Although it is not a council-led review to determine the total allocation, each council is responsible for allocating the designation to the individual councillors and mayor according to their own policy. Councils can also recommend against any increase in funding as is the case for Upper Hutt this year.

Many Councillors spoke strongly about why they were unable to accept the increase in the face of the current economic situation facing many people in the community.

“As Upper Hutt received its final submissions on the Long Term Plan that recommends a rates increase of 5.2% for the next financial year, it makes sense that we all make a sacrifice to achieve what we believe will ultimately benefit our community,” said Mayor Wayne Guppy. “Although this sum is allocated independently, it still comes out of Council funds. It’s money that could be used to achieve the goals we have for the whole community.”

Upper Hutt City Council, will now make the recommendation back to the Remuneration Authority and await its final decision.

About Upper Hutt City Council

Upper Hutt City Council is the steward and custodian of Upper Hutt City, providing governance, infrastructure, and community services and resources, and promoting opportunity in the city for business, recreation, lifestyle, and leisure. Upper Hutt City is located 30 km north-east of Wellington City (41°07'34" S, 175°04'06" E) and boasts 70% of the region’s parks and reserves, along with state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities.

For more information on Upper Hutt City and the City Council, go to www.upperhuttcity.com

ENDS

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