Policies

Compare the parties’ positions on the key issues this election. Explore their policies and see how closely they align with your own views and priorities.

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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.

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Narrow your selection by choosing a specific area within your chosen topic. Select the policies you want to explore, pick your favourites and view your results when you’re ready.

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  • Restrict wasteful spending, ensuring that rated dollars are spent wisely, without waste, and on things that matter.

  • Ensure that council infrastructure meets the needs of the community.

  • Ensure rates increases are kept at an affordable and sustainable level.

  • Supporting our council-owned facilities to grow back to Pre Covid-19 figures which helps reduce rates rises.

  • Review levels of service council provides to try and decrease rates rises.

  • Ensure rates increases are affordable and sustainable, by focusing on core functions and levels of service.

  • Ensure council's investment portfolio and non-rate income return on investment is maximised.

  • Ensure Council acts prudently with its spending of rate payers funds. No vanity projects and concentrate on the core business of council.

  • Ensure capital projects are managed appropriately eliminating cost overruns.

  • Ensure the council remains within its own financial policies with regard to debt and rate increases.

  • Clearly communicate the results of council expenditure towards wellbeing for people and planet, and meeting current and future challenges.

  • Provide and advertise rates relief schemes to alleviate hardship that cannot be addressed by providing free public services.

  • Be mindful of the sacrifice that some make when paying rates and take a long-term view for maximum benefit to current and future residents.

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