Annual plan

Investment in capital works: Auckland City Council's Annual Plan 2008/2009 approves $400 million.

From City Scene, published on 20 July, 2008

The Auckland City Council Annual Plan, released on 18 July, approves $400 million of investment in capital works across the city.

The plan incorporates feedback on the draft annual plan presented in April-May, and sets the rates increase at 5.1 per cent, in line with the council's rate of inflation.

The council's rate of inflation reflects the increase in prices affecting the council's ability to perform the same task at the same levels. This differs from the CPI (consumer price index), which measures changes in prices for household goods like bread and milk. The council faces different price pressures to the household sector. Labour, interest and construction costs are some of the things that have a far greater impact on the council's budget. In addition, common items like petrol are calculated differently as they form a greater proportion of the council's expenditure.

The annual plan is available online and from the council's libraries and service centres. A summary of the plan will be delivered with your first rates notice, between 28 and 30 July.