The Taxpayers’ Union is cautiously welcoming Environment Canterbury’s decision to scale back its planned annual rates increase from 17 percent to 3 percent.
Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Josh Van Veen said:
“This will come as welcome relief for Canterbury ratepayers, who were hit with a 5.8 percent rates rise from ECan last year.
“However, we are concerned that the rates burden has been temporarily eased by cancelling or deferring infrastructure projects rather than finding permanent back-office savings. For example, ECan employs 354 staff paid more than $100,000 a year, including 148 managers paid an average of $147,655. Further savings could be locked in by implementing a hiring freeze on vacant positions."
“Ratepayers deserve genuine efficiency, not deferred investment.”
ECan rates relief must be more than sleight of hand
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