Government confirms plan to cap council rate rises at 2-4% annually from 2029
Local Government Minister Simon Watts has confirmed the government will cap annual council rate increases at between 2 and 4 percent, with legislation to take effect in 2029.
The government has announced it will cap council rate rises at 2 to 4 percent annually from 2029, saving the average ratepayer about $34. The move has backing from Act and New Zealand First. Critics argue spending caps will strain councils and delay essential infrastructure, particularly as councils have already borne costs from government-mandated policies without compensation. The announcement follows broader restrictions on local government powers the current administration has pursued.
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What outlets are saying
The Spinoff
National should just admit it wants to turn councils into the Department of Parks and Pipes
Rates caps are the latest in a series of anti-democratic local government policies from a party that once claimed to support localism and devolution, argues Joel MacManus. On Tuesday, the minister for local government Simon Watts confirmed council rate rises…
The Spinoff
National should just admit it wants to turn councils into the Department of Parks and Pipes
Rates caps are the latest in a series of anti-democratic local government policies from a party that once claimed to support localism and devolution, argues Joel MacManus. On Tuesday, the minister for local government Simon Watts confirmed council rate rises…