Media Release
2 March 2012

Council Parking Fee increase not Acceptable

Wellington City Council should cut or defer expenditure and not look to rate rises and fee increases to cover its shortfalls according to the Wellington Employers’ Chamber of Commerce. The proposed increase in parking charges is particularly unacceptable.

“Our submissions on the Long Term Plan will make this point very strongly. It is essential that in the current economic environment businesses and consumers are not hit with increased costs,” said Chamber President Richard Stone.

“We will scrutinise the proposals carefully and would be happy to work with the council to identify areas of low priority expenditure.

“One potential area for savings is in the rationalising of the Council Controlled Organisations. For example sharing administration services as is currently occurring within central government departments.

“We are particularly opposed to the proposed parking fee increase. This is not justified on the grounds of cost recovery or inflation and it would damage the vibrancy of the central city as fewer people come in. We accept some rebalancing might be appropriate but a 50 cent increase is not acceptable.

“There needs to be more transparency in the Annual Plan to give rate-payers a better idea as to what is being spent and how it is funded,” Mr Stone concluded.

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