Media release 28 July 2008

Statement from founder/organiser David Thornton on John Key’s speech to Local Government Conference in Rotorua today

John Key speech offers ratepayers a different attitude towards funding local government

Hot on the heels of the Government’s negative attitude to funding Local Government a spark of optimism sprang to light at the Local Government this afternoon with National Leader John Key’s speech. Particularly those policies surrounding council rates.

Although no figures were given the speech certainly accepted the unaffordability of current funding methods for local councils aand expressed support for restraints on council expenditure where possible, plus alternative methods of funding to reduce reliance on rates.

Such policies place an obligation on local councils to put their own financial houses in order and then work with Government to agree sharing the costs of major infrastrucure where this was needed to support a growing economy.

NoMoreRates looks forward to hearing the promised detailed funding policies during the election campaign.

ENDS

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