Home spun at a government department near you

Should we stick to our knitting?

The ADHB is already facing massive increases in their water bill and under new proposals released by the Independent Inquiry into Local Government Rates, may now face a rates bill as well. Crown land is exempt rates but it is proposed to scrap this, filling council coffers by a further estimated $100M.

The newly released report of the inquiry into rates says that councils are taking more in rates than is necessary. It also says that rates have risen by 38% in 12 years. How can this be? This is another example of government creative use of statistics and the unquestioning main stream medium. Well what they are talking about is the average rate struck across the country has gone up by 38% So if you were paying 1% of your house value in rates 12 years ago you are now paying 1.38% That’s a massive increase! But the reality of the situation is far worse depending on the city you live in.

Fifteen years ago we paid $1000 for RATES + WATER + ARC. Now we pay $4000. A 400% rise in 15 years. Our rates went up 40% last year alone, due to yet another “one off rates rise for “infrastructure”" and house re-valuation. Successive governments have been very tricky by keeping the cost of housing out of the CPI. If housing costs were factored in fairly it is very unlikely that inflation would have been in the 1-3 % range anytime in the last 15 years. And, of course the rates inquiry conveniently excluded ARC and water rates!!

As I said, figures home spun at a government department near you! Enough is enough! The increases are simply not sustainable for most working people on fixed incomes and older people. More cost effectiveness is needed, along with creative ways to solve problems of large cities.

Should we as ADHB candidates ignore the fact that there could be massive rises in costs due to rates rises and the fact that many of the people the DHB serves are struggling to afford these rates, which may contribute to poor health caused by stress and less disposable income?

Which was the only party to vote against the massive rates rises last year? – Citizens and Ratepayers!