Buller District Council
Rates and revenue
The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.
Rates and revenue
The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.
Support a rates cap for the next three years and work to reduce commercial retail rates to improve business affordability.
Maintain community facilities if they meet an affordability and well-being review.
Reduce expenditure on external consultants and contractors and empower volunteers and self-help programs.
Review fees and charges to ensure that these charges truly meet the cost of providing the services.
Monitor council debt and balance this with rates charged to ensure that the council can deliver essential infrastructure.
Monitor financial management within council to ensure that proper controls are in place to meet legal requirements.
Accept that the current system for apportioning rates in Buller is deeply flawed and unfair and bring the rates review to a conclusion.
Accept that the current property rating system for local authorities in NZ is no longer fit for purpose.
Work within LGNZ to promote a long-term sustainable funding system for local government.
Review the rating system completely, as the basis for setting boundaries and rates has not been reviewed recently.
Investigate more innovative ways to grow the community and reduce fees and charges.
Support a rates cap for the next three years and work to reduce commercial retail rates to improve business affordability.
Maintain community facilities if they meet an affordability and well-being review.
Reduce expenditure on external consultants and contractors and empower volunteers and self-help programs.
Review fees and charges to ensure that these charges truly meet the cost of providing the services.
Monitor council debt and balance this with rates charged to ensure that the council can deliver essential infrastructure.
Monitor financial management within council to ensure that proper controls are in place to meet legal requirements.
Accept that the current system for apportioning rates in Buller is deeply flawed and unfair and bring the rates review to a conclusion.
Accept that the current property rating system for local authorities in NZ is no longer fit for purpose.
Work within LGNZ to promote a long-term sustainable funding system for local government.
Review the rating system completely, as the basis for setting boundaries and rates has not been reviewed recently.
Investigate more innovative ways to grow the community and reduce fees and charges.
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