28 June 2013

Lack of support for regional fund disappointing

The inability of councils in the Wellington region to support the Regional Amenities Fund is another reason why local government amalgamation is necessary, says Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Raewyn Bleakley.

“This is most disappointing and is an example of councils looking inward rather than working together for the good of the region.

“The Chamber has always regarded shared services and collaboration between councils as an inferior alternative to amalgamation and this is a good example of why we have taken that stance.

“The Regional Amenities Fund is an example of councils coming together for the regional good, but yet again petty rivalry and mistrust have got in the way.

“If the councils can’t agree on something like this then there really is little hope of them working together on issues to drive the Wellington region forward.”

Raewyn Bleakley said it was pleasing that Wellington City Council reduced its rate increase back to 2.5 per cent, but there were probably areas of lower-quality expenditure that could have been cut instead of the fund.

“The Chamber supports amalgamation of councils because of the improved decision-making and strategic capacity that would result, as opposed to decisions based on arbitrary boundaries or petty rivalry between districts, as evidenced this week.

“It really is time that councils took a look at themselves and asked if they really wanted to work for the betterment of the region.”

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