Waikato 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.
Ensure the budget is set to performance standards and provide metrics sufficient for performance analysis by council and public.
Find the right balance between lower rates and investment for future growth, taking account of community preferences.
Keep fees minimal for business to encourage growth and, therefore, better-paid jobs for the community and use debt for future investment.
Ensure that debt raised to cover new infrastructure is balanced with growth and find efficiencies with a focus on targeted rate affordability.
Limit general rates increases to 3% in 2026, then 2.5% and less in subsequent years as budgeted in the long term plan.
Support current council revenue and financing policy to apply general rates, targeted rates and fees according to where the benefits land.
Ensure the budget is set to performance standards and provide metrics sufficient for performance analysis by council and public.
Find the right balance between lower rates and investment for future growth, taking account of community preferences.
Keep fees minimal for business to encourage growth and, therefore, better-paid jobs for the community and use debt for future investment.
Ensure that debt raised to cover new infrastructure is balanced with growth and find efficiencies with a focus on targeted rate affordability.
Limit general rates increases to 3% in 2026, then 2.5% and less in subsequent years as budgeted in the long term plan.
Support current council revenue and financing policy to apply general rates, targeted rates and fees according to where the benefits land.
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