Submission on the petition to limit local authority rate increases to a maximum of the annual inflation rate

We welcome the opportunity to submit on the petition to limit local authority rate increases to a maximum of the annual inflation rate.

Councils are deeply connected to their communities and acutely aware of the financial pressures households face. LGNZ opposes the proposal to impose central government limits on local revenue-raising capacity. This is a blunt tool that runs counter to local democracy and the ability of decision-makers to raise the necessary resources to carry out their mandates effectively. Councils will always look for ways to deliver better value to communities. Better local government means empowering communities to better engage with decision-making processes through enhanced transparency and accountability.

Read the submission