Rates Cap Supported by Lowest-Rates Mayor

The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union has today welcomed Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe's call for rates capping to be introduced in the future.

Taxpayers' Union Local Government Campaigns Manager, Sam Warren, said:

“We’re pleased to see more Mayors coming on board with rates capping, especially as the Cap Rates Now the petition has reached more than 30,000 signatures, calling for an end to excessive rates increases.”

“Achieving the lowest average rates increase, even below inflation, was the result of hard work and careful spending decisions. Mayor Tripe’s efforts set an example for every other mayor in the country.”

“Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger also voiced his support for a cap on rates rises, who last month joined the Taxpayers’ Union and its supporters outside the LGNZ conference, where its membered councils discussed how they could fight such laws.”

“Well done, Mayor Tripe. Ratepayers across have had a gutsful of soaring rates from their councils, and are looking for leadership on the issue. As the Government presses closer with rates capping laws, we expect to see more mayors get onside with protecting ratepayers.”