8 August 2013

Local Government Forum Newsletter – August 2013

In the lead-up to this year’s local authority elections the Local Government Forum has released its annual newsletter.

Forum Chair, Michael Barnett, observed that 2013 is proving to be a big year for local government, perhaps even bigger than last year.

“2012 saw controversy and at times bitter acrimony over the Government’s determination to force local government to be more efficient so it cuts its growth in spending, rates, and debt” said Mr Barnett.

“The Better Local Government reforms and particularly the Local Government Act Amendment Bill put councils on notice that things had to change. The Forum is on record as supporting the reforms and we stand by the reforms as necessary and desirable.

“2013 is proving to be no less significant”.

The Forum newsletter contains articles on the following issues:

• Local authority elections
• Progress with the Better Local Government reforms
• Productivity Commission inquiry into local government regulation.
• Housing affordability.
• Local government reorganisation.
• Annual plan season.

“I welcome feedback. Local government is crucially important to the economy and for the country as a whole and I hope our newsletter helps stimulate debate and discussion in the lead-up to the local elections,” said Mr Barnett.

The newsletter is available from the Forum’s website at: http://localgovtforum.federationmedia.com/PDFs/Local-Govt-Forum-Newsletter-Aug-2013.aspx

About The Forum
The Local Government Forum comprises organisations that have a vital interest in the activities of local government. Its members include BusinessNZ, the Electricity Networks Association, Federated Farmers of NZ, NZ Initiative, NZ Chambers of Commerce, and NZ Retailers’ Association. The Forum was established in 1994 to promote greater efficiency in local government and to contribute to the debate on policy issues affecting it.

For more information on the Forum, see www.localgovtforum.org.nz

ENDS

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