Calls for ‘relief’ are an insult to Waitaki ratepayers

Responding to reports that Waitaki District Council is investigating options such as reduced penalties and charity for ratepayers struggling with the council’s 16.9 percent rates rise, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Josh Van Veen, said:

“Waitaki ratepayers will be feeling insulted by this token gesture.”

“Despite overwhelming opposition from the community, the Council pushed ahead with a massive rates increase. Now, having acknowledged that some households can’t afford to pay, Council is giving false hope to struggling ratepayers with talk of ‘relief’.”

“A council of Waitaki’s size should not be costing $1,604.18 per household in staffing costs. The only real relief would be for Waitaki District Council to cut its bloated payroll, go back through the budget line by line, and pass the savings back to ratepayers.”