United Future keen to cut local body costs

United Future local government spokesman, Larry Baldock, says he’s pleased MP’s from other parties have accepted his change to the Local Government Bill, reported back to Parliament today, which will allow councils to extend the five-year Chief Executive term by a further two years before having to advertise the job again.

“I’m keen to save councils unnecessary expense wherever possible,” said Mr Baldock. “As a councillor who has been through the process of CE selection, I could see no reason why it was mandatory if councillors were satisfied with their Chief Executive’s performance. Why have a Clayton’s process that can cost thousands of dollars and waste many applicants’ and staff time?

“Allowing a further 2 years after a performance review was a sensible compromise that I was thankful the committee accepted.”

“Also important during the Select Committee stage,” said Mr Baldock, “was the reintroduction of the Non Resident ratepayer franchise which many saw as fundamental to the principle of no taxation without representation.

“Many business submitters expressed their outrage at the potential loss of this right and rightly so given the percentage of their contribution to the revenue of local councils.

“Many holiday home owners who regularly visit their baches and feel very much part of their second communities deserve the right to have a say in democracy in that area.”

Mr Baldock said it was United Future voting with ACT, National, New Zealand First and the Greens that tipped the balance in favour of reinstatement of the provision.

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