Queenstown-Lakes 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.
Cap fees and charges so they do not grow out of control.
Ensure ratepayers are not left with the bill for mismanaged projects.
Evaluate council investments to make sure they are viable long term plans.
Closely review proposed capital and operational expenditure in annual and long term plans to stay within spending limits.
Keep rates increases within reasonable limits whilst still providing the core services required from council.
Use council debt availability wisely and for the best benefit of the district, whilst keeping within debt limits.
Allow contracts to only be signed off by the council and evaluated both against the agreed rates budget and independent pricing.
Budget council debt overpayments to lower the overall council debt.
Set rate budget before planning of council spend each year.
Cap fees and charges so they do not grow out of control.
Ensure ratepayers are not left with the bill for mismanaged projects.
Evaluate council investments to make sure they are viable long term plans.
Closely review proposed capital and operational expenditure in annual and long term plans to stay within spending limits.
Keep rates increases within reasonable limits whilst still providing the core services required from council.
Use council debt availability wisely and for the best benefit of the district, whilst keeping within debt limits.
Allow contracts to only be signed off by the council and evaluated both against the agreed rates budget and independent pricing.
Budget council debt overpayments to lower the overall council debt.
Set rate budget before planning of council spend each year.
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