Rates caps can’t wait for councils to fix themselves

Commenting on ACT leader David Seymour’s remarks that rates caps should wait until local government costs are under control, Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:

“Spiralling rates are one of the biggest drivers of the cost-of-living crisis, with the average bill ballooning 34 percent in just three years. Ratepayers can’t afford to sit around waiting for councils to fix themselves.”

“Local government won’t rein in its own spending until it’s made to. The fact LGNZ is planning a ratepayer-funded campaign to block rates caps tells you everything you need to know.”

“If the Government wants to get costs under control, it should scrap councils’ power of general competence at the same time and get them back to doing the basics well. It’s as simple as that, no excuses needed.”

“Ratepayers are behind Local Government Minister Simon Watts and his plans to have caps in place before Christmas. Over 29,000 New Zealanders have already signed the petition, now is the time to cap rates.”