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The nationwide campaign to replace the present system of council rates.

Founder – David Thornton David@nomorerates.com

MEDIA RELEASE        7th June 2013

[Statement from David Thornton]

Council must reverse its decision to give $3 million to Cathedral

The donation of three million dollars of public funds to Auckland Cathedral has raised a great deal of anger among Auckland ratepayers.

Public funding for buildings which will be used for sectarian  religious services goes against the generally accepted principle of the separation of Church and State.

Churches of all religions do receive modest public funding support by virtue of being exempt from rates except for water rates.

The fact that many churches provide community activities is generally considered to be part of the role of most religions, and in recognition of the exemption from council rates.

In the case of the $3 million for the Cathedral, the funding is reportedly required for building a new small chapel which can only be regarded as primarily a building to be used for religious purposes.

This funding, which is highly controversial, has not even been subject to the usual competitive assessment which community grant applications are required to face.

This ‘back door’ donation comes at a time when rates increases of between 3%  and  10% will be approved by the Council any day.

In view of the loud public opposition to this grant the Council should take the first opportunity to reverse its decision and withdraw the approval it has given.

ENDS

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