The lights are on, but nobody's home: $200,000 Christchurch light project shows why we need to Cap Rates Now

The Taxpayers' Union says Christchurch Council's $200,000 spend on decorative lighting and a mural is a textbook example of why the Government must implement a rates cap now.

Taxpayers' Union spokesperson Tyler Groenewald said:

"Even when the Council had the option of a cheaper project or making savings, it still chose to dip into ratepayers' money and spend. The lights are on, but nobody's home."

"Councils should light dark streets but ratepayers don't need bespoke LED light displays and wave-pattern installations while roads, pipes and other core infrastructure continue to be neglected."

"This is exactly why the Government must Cap Rates Now. Until councils face real spending discipline, ratepayers will keep footing the bill for 'nice-to-haves' while the basics fall behind."