Experts warn NZ: Australia's local rates cap led to financial crisis

LGNZ president Sam Broughton says there are 25 tools the Government could be looking at instead of putting a cap on rates. (Image: LGNZ)

Jem Traylen

Fri, 22 Nov 2024

Visiting Australian local government advocates say that putting a cap on what councils are allowed to charge for rates has led to severe financial difficulties.Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) president Sam Broughton said they were invited to address its all-sectors meeting in Wellington on Thursday because the Government was particularly interested in how caps had worked across the Tasman.In August, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said it was “unacceptable” that rates had increased by an average of 15%, more than four tim...

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