Auckland plan aims for modest rates rises

Auckland’s draft long term plan out today contains a wish list of civic ventures. The big focus is on transport, the environment, and supporting young people.

Projects include library funding, a tertiary education cluster, sports programmes, Hauraki Gulf spatial plan, regional schools planting, subsidies for public transport, train stations, roading, bus lanes, events, cruise ship terminal waterfront development plans, heritage and culture plans.

At the same time Mayor Len Brown reaffirmed his commitment to keep rates increases at around the level of inflation.

He proposes average rate increases of 3.6% for 2012/13 and 3.4% to 5.1% in subsequent years.

Oner of the biggest challenges is introducing a single rating policy.

The Mayor’s proposal includes a uniform annual general charge of $350. But the differentials will see businesses pay more (2.63), rural business (2.37), rural residential (0.9), farm and lifestyle properties (0.8), sea-only access properties (0.25), targeted rates for business improvement districts and city centre upgrade.

Len Brown is proposing the transition to the new rating mechanism be through the use of remissions rather than a legislative or phased approach.

The $2.4 billion development of the City Rail Link - to unclog Britomart and unlock the rail network “could be funded” by government (50%), “alternative sources” (30.9%), (general rates (16.6%).

Money would also come from hiking dog registrations, building and resource consents.

Over the next few weeks councillors, local boards and the Independent Maori Statutory Board will consider the first proposal with a view to formally approving a draft LTP by the end of November.

Aucklanders will have the opportunity to make submissions before adoption in July 2012.

Chris Hutching
Thu, 27 Oct 2011

Categories

Analysis

Featured

Auckland plan aims for modest rates rises