17 March 2014

Community input into Christchurch City Council Draft Annual Plan

Christchurch residents can have a say on the Council’s proposed spending with public consultation opening today on the 2014/15 Draft Annual Plan.

Interested individuals and community groups have until Tuesday 22 April to lodge a submission on the draft plan.

The draft plan outlines everything the Council will do over the next year, how much it costs and where the money will come from.

Nine public drop-in sessions will be held across the city during the submission period, giving residents a chance to get further information on budgeting proposals.

A summary document highlighting key features of the plan has been distributed to all homes throughout Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

The 2014/15 Draft Annual Plan is largely based on Year 2 of the Council’s 2013-16 Three Year Plan, and proposes an average rates increase of 6.5 per cent.

Council Finance Committee chairman Raf Manji says careful budgeting will help the Council to reach its rates target.

“It’s important we live within our means, but at the same time ensure there is no impact on core community services such as water supplies and waste disposal. Our preferred option is to make small reductions across a range of non-essential services, rather than heavy cuts to a few.

“The loss of so many properties through the Red Zone and demolitions in the Central City has decreased our rating revenue by $10 million, and with less than expected growth and the added cost of the rebuild, we must budget accordingly.”

“We want to get feedback on the draft plan proposals and encourage residents and business groups to have their say by completing a submission,” Councillor Manji says.

Following the consultation period, public hearings will be held before the Council adopts the final plan in late June.

The 2014/15 Draft Annual Plan and summary document can be viewed at www.ccc.govt.nz/annualplan or at Council service centres or libraries.

A timetable of the public drop-in sessions is outlined below.

All sessions run from 3.30pm-7pm.

ENDS

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