UnitedFuture is echoing calls to review the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 to ensure its providing for our communities says party president Damian Light.

 

“UnitedFuture has been calling for a review of the rating system and nothing should be off the table.” Mr Light said.
“Auckland Councillor Chris Darby has published information that shows that nearly $40m of rates is unable to be collected due to exemptions built into the law.

 

“While there is more work to be done on the impact of changing the exemptions, it shows that a review is required. Other alternatives include returning all or part of the GST on rates which is estimated to be worth $200m for Auckland. Or enabling congestion charging which can be used for both revenue collection and reducing traffic in targeted areas.
“While this has been raised in an Auckland context, we’ve seen similar requests from other regions who are struggling to generate funds to modernise and future proof infrastructure.

 

“It’s about empowering local governments to be able to provide for future generations without placing an unfair burden on ratepayers.” He concluded.