ECan rates relief must be more than sleight of hand

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.”