A Liveable City or an Affordable City
The Howick ward is facing significant rates increases and it is important that your views be heard.

On July 1 all Aucklanders will be rated using one region wide rating system based on the capital value of your property. The Mayor’s budget means that Howick Ward ratepayers are faced with rate increases of between six to over twenty per cent. Much of the increase is due to the Mayor’s refusal to increase the Uniform Annual General Charge. This is a fixed charge, paid regardless of the value of your property and acts to level out rates.
The Mayor’s proposal is for a very low UAGC of just $350 or twelve and a half per cent of the maximum allowable, thirty per cent.
It is my view that the UAGC needs to be about $750.

At a public meeting last week attended by nearly 400 people, I also raised other concerns in regards to the Mayor’s budget:

• The high level of debt rising from $2.9b ($1927 per capita) to $8.4b ($4800 per capita) over the 10 years of his budget. By 2020, 25 cents in every dollar will be to pay interest on the debt.

• Continuous rate increases well over the rate of inflation for the next 8 years.

• A number of items in the budget, which are unfunded such as the inner city rail loop.

The Mayor’s vision is the make Auckland the world’s most liveable city. With the increasing rates, the increasing debt we face the threat of becoming an unaffordable city.

Make a submission by email at:

ltp-rltpsubmission@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Dick Quax

ENDS

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