Hutt City Mayor Backs Ratepayers; Water Reform Not Greenlight for Spend-Up

Hutt City Council Mayor Campbell Barry has called on councils not to spend recklessly after removing water services from their balance sheets.

Responding to this, Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman Sam Warren said:

“Shifting most of their assets off the books means councils can return the majority of the rates take to ratepayers. It’s not an invitation for yet another local government lolly scramble.”

“Candidates looking to use this as an opportunity to sneak huge increases in the cost of living for ratepayers need to be front up and admit it before voting opens next month.”

“Well done to Campbell Barry for this shot across the bow, reminding councils that their first obligation is to the people paying the bills. It’s a shame he didn’t realise that before hiking rates 44.7 percent over the last three years, but better late than never.”