

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.

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.
Undertake deep dive on all fiscal matters before council to ensure robust debate so that formal decisions are justified.
Review long-term plan yearly and make adjustments based on fact by either substitution, removal or suspending projects or developments.
Maintain ownership of assets and become less dependent on ratepayers and more self-funded.
Remove fees and penalties on late payments of rates or parking tickets when a payment arrangement is established.
Promote initiatives that drive tourism and pull revenue from external sources rather than from local pockets.
Prioritise spending on core services and projects with strong, proven community benefits.
Base major investments and funding decisions on reliable data and clear business cases.
Pay down council debt to protect future generations from unnecessary financial burdens.
Halt non-essential projects and nice-to-haves until debt is under control.
Review all council fees, charges and investments to ensure fairness and affordability.
Explore alternative funding partnerships with central government and private sector to reduce the rates burden.
Undertake deep dive on all fiscal matters before council to ensure robust debate so that formal decisions are justified.
Review long-term plan yearly and make adjustments based on fact by either substitution, removal or suspending projects or developments.
Maintain ownership of assets and become less dependent on ratepayers and more self-funded.
Remove fees and penalties on late payments of rates or parking tickets when a payment arrangement is established.
Promote initiatives that drive tourism and pull revenue from external sources rather than from local pockets.
Prioritise spending on core services and projects with strong, proven community benefits.
Base major investments and funding decisions on reliable data and clear business cases.
Pay down council debt to protect future generations from unnecessary financial burdens.
Halt non-essential projects and nice-to-haves until debt is under control.
Review all council fees, charges and investments to ensure fairness and affordability.
Explore alternative funding partnerships with central government and private sector to reduce the rates burden.
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