Is capping rates the best way to get councils back to basics?

Is capping rates the best way to get councils back to basics?
The Government is looking at ways to limit council spending. (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
Any attempt to legislate a cap on rates could lead to “perverse” outcomes, say local government representatives.Even the business lobby group New Zealand Initiative wasn’t keen on the idea, saying NZ needed more local democracy rather than less.A cap on rate increases is one idea the Government is considering to rein in council spending on what it calls “nice-to-have pet projects”.Speaking at the Local Government NZ (LGNZ) conference on Thursday, Minister for Local Government Simeon Brown said it was “unaccep...

More Policy

Govt to consider not taxing NZ Super Fund
Economy

Govt to consider not taxing NZ Super Fund

Foreign investment fund and thin cap rules are also to be reviewed.

Board fees bumped, new face of social investment and more...
Policy Business of Government

Board fees bumped, new face of social investment and more...

Our weekly roundup of public sector news and analysis.

Glimmer of hope for natural health exporters
Policy

Glimmer of hope for natural health exporters

There is no quick fix, but help is coming "soon" ...

Jem Traylen 11 Nov 2024
Council funding tools 'generally fit for purpose'
Policy

Council funding tools 'generally fit for purpose'

Treasury says main barrier is 'political economy reasons', i.e. hiking rates.

Oliver Lewis 11 Nov 2024