NATIONWIDE RATES FREEZE FOR PANDEMIC RESPONSE

Ian from Orewa

Over the last three decades councils have hiked rates at more than three times the level of inflation. We say that, just this once, councils should find efficiencies within their operations rather than just reach even deeper into our pockets.

Mr Goff’s attempts to fool you

While Mr Goff talks about “limiting” rates hikes to 2.5% or (more recently) 3.5% — if you listen very carefully, that’s only “general rates”. It doesn’t included all the extra “targeted” rates he has put onto your rates bill!

The fact is that since the formation of the Super City, rates have gone up more than five percent per year. One year, under Len Brown, they went up 9.9% for the average householder.

And while the politicians claim that money was needed to fund essential infrastructure projects – analysis by the Ratepayers’ Alliance shows that the vast majority of the extra revenue actually went onto growing the Council’s payroll. Of the Council’s twelve and a half thousand staff, three thousand staff are paid more than $100,000 pa. 218 are paid more than $200,000. And unlike everyone else sitting at home, not one of those jobs are on the line.

Now is the time for the Mayor and Councillors to find savings.

Your support adds another voice to force Auckland Council to look inwards and find efficiencies. We say that a genuine effort to cut wasteful spending and reallocate money to core services is needed, before they turn to ratepayers at a time of financial crisis.

www.taxpayers.org.nz...

Unlike central government taxes, rates are totally unconnected to your ability to pay. With so many Aucklanders losing their jobs and livelihoods right now, it is cruel to pile even more burden onto ratepayers. But without your support, Auckland Council will continue to dig deeper into your pocket.

On behalf of the whole team here at the Ratepayers’ Alliance (working remotely!), thank you for your support.

Jo Holmes
Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance

www.taxpayers.org.nz...