When you are on a big fat Minister's salary, paying your rates is probably the last thing on your mind.
It was bitterly disappointing, reading STUFF this morning that apparently Government has been warning Local Councils about giving Rates reductions, or even capping rates rises. It noted Phil Twyford telling civic leaders they would have to do their bit financially, in order to get government funding for infrastructure projects, and that cutting rates would hamper that.
"If you deliberately cut your revenue by scaling back rates increases, or going for zero rates, or cutting rates, how can I stand up with my colleagues and make the case that we should be investing alongside you," he said. "I can't do that."
Minister Mahuta said rates freezes or reductions would likely be ineffective, do not target those with the greatest need and could create significant financial challenges for councils later.
With all due respect to Minister Mahutu, you are still getting paid. What about the scores of Kiwi's who now don't have jobs yet still are expected to meet Rates Bills, Provisional taxes and all the other costs government and local government saddle on us?
If Government want to start wielding the big stick to local councils, how about first you finally start to pay it's share on land used or owned by Government departments such as DOC.
Ratepayers of Westland for example, have had some colossal rate increase while Doc pay nothing. The figures below show the value, rates, and percentage rates increases some of the constituents have had to face. This is for a fairly ordinary cottage and section in a West Coast Township, the same area that has been extremely hard hit with the drop in tourism and heaps of job losses.
Financial Year Land Value Capital Value Annual Rates
2010/2011 $53,000.00 $115,000.00 $1,003.80 (9.51% +/- )
2011/2012 $53,000.00 $115,000.00 $1,058.60 (5.46% +/-)
2012/2013 $50,000.00 $104,000.00 $1,360.60 (28.53% +/-)
2013/2014 $50,000.00 $104,000.00 $1,481.90 (8.92% +/-)
2014/2015 $50,000.00 $104,000.00 $1,698.60 (14.62% +/-)
2015/2016 $48,000.00 $94,000.00 $1,698.40 (-0.01% +/-)
2016/2017 $48,000.00 $94,000.00 $1,855.40 (9.24% +/-)
2017/2018 $48,000.00 $94,000.00 $1,968.20 (6.08% +/-)
2018/2019 $43,000.00 $100,000.00 $2,005.39 (1.89% +/-)
While we know government is superb at squeezing the last drop of blood out of a stone, all the effect of calls like this are doing, is adding to the stress levels and misery of those kiwi's you are meant to represent.