Have your say on plan

From City Scene, published on 27 April, 2008

The council wants your feedback on its proposals and spending priorities for the coming year by 20 May.

"Our promise was to keep overall rates increases to the level of council's rate of inflation, 5.1 per cent, and we have kept that promise," says Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks. "We need to prioritise the things that need to be done in the city and have a very careful look at whether we should continue with those projects that are nice to have but not essential."

The council's proposed 5.1 per cent rates increase for the next year is half the 10.2 per cent increase outlined in the council's 10-year plan in 2006.

The proposed increase will be spread evenly across all ratepayers, with each residential property's rates increasing by $82 - about $1.60 per week - on last year. The targeted rate for CBD residential ratepayers will increase from $52 to $55. The council will still get on with more than $400 million worth of investment in the city in the 2008-2009 year. But to keep the rates increase to 5.1 per cent, the council proposes deferring, changing or cancelling some projects from its 10-year-plan - including the second stage of the Glen Innes town centre upgrade, the Point Erin pool redevelopment and resanding of the Domain fields.

You can provide feedback on the draft annual plan online or use the form inside the draft annual plan summary, delivered with last week's paper copy of City Scene.

Council costs

The proposed rates increase is in line with the council's rate of inflation, which differs from the consumer price index for the household sector. This is because of the greater impact of some price pressures - such as construction increases - on the council's work, as well as having to allow for borrowing, depreciation and staff costs.