Mayor to Propose 2.9 Per Cent Rates Increase

Len Brown will take a plan for an average 2.9 per cent rates increase to the Auckland Council on Thursday, saying he is determined to see rate increases driven down for the third year running.

“By cutting costs and driving greater efficiency, Auckland’s rates rises have been lower every year for the past three years, without compromising the services Aucklanders rely on,” says the Mayor.

“In 2010, Aucklanders faced a 9 per cent rise in rates. For the previous seven years their rates had gone up nearly 6 per cent a year on average. This was not a credible or sustainable pattern.

“From day one I’ve been determined to drive down annual rates increases in Auckland to a more sustainable level.

“I have also worked hard to make the adjustment to a single rate required in legislation as manageable as possible for Aucklanders by spreading it over a three-year period.”

Average rates increases in the Auckland Region 2005 – 2013:

2005/06 -2009/10        5.7%
2010                     9% forecast rate increase from Auckland Transition Authority
2011/2012         3.9%
2012/2013         3.6%
2013/2014         2.9%

National average rates increasers 2002- 2012 – 6.8%

ENDS

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