Marlborough District Council

Marlborough Sounds General Ward
The Marlborough District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also passes local regulations and makes decisions about infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage, and about the region’s resources, including water, soil and the coastline. The council is made up of 14 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Three councillors will be elected from the Marlborough Sounds ward. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Marlborough District Council election.

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.

  • Satisfy the electorate that all ratepayers' monies will be managed frugally, efficiently and effectively. Ratepayers expect value for money.

    Ensure that rates increases do not exceed increases in the consumer price index.

    Balance the cash flow. Council investments need to see reasonable return.

  • Already currently in the long-term plan. This is not my area of expertise, and will rely on feedback from constituents.

  • Any rates increase to be minimal, recognising financial circumstances/cost of living crisis that ratepayers are facing.

    Reduce compliance costs (building consent/development fees) to increase new build housing affordability within the region.

    Demand higher accountability of council-controlled trading entities, with a view to higher returns being made to council.

  • Ensure that all communities have a fair chance to submit their requirements for levels of service change before decision making.

    Keep decision making on rates transparent so that ratepayers can clearly see why changes have occurred.

    Attempt to keep any rates rises as low as possible so as not to cause undue financial hardship to any sector of the community.

  • Always ensure ratepayer money is spent wisely!

    Always be mindful of debt.

  • Satisfy the electorate that all ratepayers' monies will be managed frugally, efficiently and effectively. Ratepayers expect value for money.

    Ensure that rates increases do not exceed increases in the consumer price index.

    Balance the cash flow. Council investments need to see reasonable return.

  • Already currently in the long-term plan. This is not my area of expertise, and will rely on feedback from constituents.

  • Any rates increase to be minimal, recognising financial circumstances/cost of living crisis that ratepayers are facing.

    Reduce compliance costs (building consent/development fees) to increase new build housing affordability within the region.

    Demand higher accountability of council-controlled trading entities, with a view to higher returns being made to council.

  • Ensure that all communities have a fair chance to submit their requirements for levels of service change before decision making.

    Keep decision making on rates transparent so that ratepayers can clearly see why changes have occurred.

    Attempt to keep any rates rises as low as possible so as not to cause undue financial hardship to any sector of the community.

  • Always ensure ratepayer money is spent wisely!

    Always be mindful of debt.