Waikato Regional 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 a thrifty balanced approach to rate setting recognising that insufficient investment will lead to burdens on future generations.
Rejuvenate and refine the current regional investment fund to maximise its impact.
Continue the dialogue with central government to find a solution to the unfunded mandate and new forms of revenue for local government.
Develop a more strategic user-pay rating system and reasonable fees and charges with strict financial management and accountability.
Manage council debt by cutting costs, boosting revenue, prioritising spending and refinancing loans to reduce interest.
Maximise partnerships supporting communities at a grassroots level through initiatives like natural heritage fund.
Balance rates increase with cost of living and ensure continued value for money, fiscal accountability and transparency.
Manage investments to deliver enduring benefits and create lasting value for people today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
Push for smarter funding tools beyond rates and advocate for strategic investment, partnerships and central government support.
Keep rates at or below inflation.
Return $2.5 million in rates surplus back to ratepayers.
Undertake line-by-line review of all council expenditure to assess value for money.
Ensure council investments continue to be managed professionally in accordance with the SIPO.
Hold rates at or below the level of inflation.
Return the $2.5 million surplus from FY 2024 by way of rebate to ratepayers.
Avoid vanity projects and improve lives rather than create cultural landmarks or win design awards.
Stick to the essentials and do them well.
Take practical steps to limit rate increases at every opportunity.
Advocate for increased funding tools for local government that reduce dependence on central government co-funding to empower communities.
Recognise the increased cost of living then balance this with rates affordability and consider other ways to reduce the cost of living.
Review flood protection infrastructure funding models and make responsible decisions around asset management and borrowing into the future.
Ensure a thrifty balanced approach to rate setting recognising that insufficient investment will lead to burdens on future generations.
Rejuvenate and refine the current regional investment fund to maximise its impact.
Continue the dialogue with central government to find a solution to the unfunded mandate and new forms of revenue for local government.
Develop a more strategic user-pay rating system and reasonable fees and charges with strict financial management and accountability.
Manage council debt by cutting costs, boosting revenue, prioritising spending and refinancing loans to reduce interest.
Maximise partnerships supporting communities at a grassroots level through initiatives like natural heritage fund.
Balance rates increase with cost of living and ensure continued value for money, fiscal accountability and transparency.
Manage investments to deliver enduring benefits and create lasting value for people today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
Push for smarter funding tools beyond rates and advocate for strategic investment, partnerships and central government support.
Keep rates at or below inflation.
Return $2.5 million in rates surplus back to ratepayers.
Undertake line-by-line review of all council expenditure to assess value for money.
Ensure council investments continue to be managed professionally in accordance with the SIPO.
Hold rates at or below the level of inflation.
Return the $2.5 million surplus from FY 2024 by way of rebate to ratepayers.
Avoid vanity projects and improve lives rather than create cultural landmarks or win design awards.
Stick to the essentials and do them well.
Take practical steps to limit rate increases at every opportunity.
Advocate for increased funding tools for local government that reduce dependence on central government co-funding to empower communities.
Recognise the increased cost of living then balance this with rates affordability and consider other ways to reduce the cost of living.
Review flood protection infrastructure funding models and make responsible decisions around asset management and borrowing into the future.
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