Banks Says NO to Brown’s Poll Tax

Auckland Mayor John Banks says there will be no Poll Tax for Aucklanders if he is elected Mayor on October 9th.

This morning on National Radio Banks’ opponent Len Brown raised the possibility of introducing Margaret Thatcher’s notorious Poll Tax, which blighted the last days of her administration.

Mayor Banks says, “Mr. Brown obviously now realises there is no way his outrageous promises are able to be funded by rates and is looking for other ways to raise revenue from the hard-working people of Auckland.

“A Poll Tax is unfair as some people are in a better position than others to minimise their taxable income.

“We could end up with the people least able to afford it, those Mayor Brown says he represents, shouldering the major burden.”

Mr. Brown raised the policy of an income-based Poll Tax to replace rates in 2007.

“Back in 2007 when he was running for Mayor, Mr. Brown proposed an income-based Poll Tax (a City Tax based on income) instead of rates.

“People didn’t like it then but now it’s back on the agenda in the last few weeks of this campaign.”

In his own words:

“It is time central government moved away from rates to fund local government It is time to seriously consider replacing rates with a city tax. We would all contribute through our income, and pay according to our income, not the value of our land.”

Len Brown

25 June 2007

Mayor Banks says Brown’s income-based Poll Tax will have major flaws.

“The Mayor of Manukau needs to explain how this new Poll Tax will work for multi-person households – like those in South Auckland – businesses and low-income earners who already have no spare cash.

“It will be particularly hard for those who currently pay rent because for the first time they will be faced with the burden of an entirely new tax”

Mayor Banks says Brown’s record as a local government politician includes big rates rises and broken promises.

“Before the 2007 elections Len Brown said he would keep Manukau’s overall rates rises to within inflation. He has failed on that promise every year he has been Mayor.

“As Councillor and Chairman of the Manukau City Annual Plan Committee, he presided over rates rises as high as 8.3%.

“His financial management of Manukau City has been poor, with Manukau running up $56 million of operating deficits in his first two years. This debt will be left to future ratepayers.”

Mayor Banks says he is the only candidate with the credibility and experience to ensure rates are kept down during this transition.

“After all, I’ve delivered rates at or below the council inflation rate every year I’ve been Mayor of Auckland City, while getting on with significant city building plans.

“At a time when ratepayers want certainty it is irresponsible of Mr. Brown to propose another tax on the people of Auckland.”

ENDS

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