Media Release
Statement from David Thornton

Good news today – but major effect on council rates will come in 22 months time.

Ratepayers will applaud the reduction in water rates announced by Watercare Services and Local Government Minister Rodney Hide today.

Reductions in the cost of building inspections and other fees will also be welcomed.

But ratepayers should look ahead with some concern to 1st July 2012 – just 22 months away.

On that date the new City will be charging rates under a new system – following a full revaluation of all Auckland properties in September next year.

Also on that date the new council may decide to apply volumetric charging to wastewater.

These changes are likely to result in huge swings in the incidence of rates on individual ratepayers – some paying less, with others paying considerably more.

How these changes are introduced will be critical to the successful introduction of the new Auckland Council.

While today’s news is good – tomorrow could be a different matter.

And those future decisions will be in the hands of those elected in October’s elections.

Ends.

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