Local government reform missing from election debate as ratepayers face mounting bills

The Taxpayers’ Union is calling for local government reform to feature in the final days of the election campaign, releasing The Ratepayers’ Guide to Election 2026: Where do the parties stand on Local Government?

Taxpayers’ Union Senior Policy Analyst Josh Van Veen said:

“Our test is straightforward: cap rates, fees and levies at inflation, make councils stick to essential services and infrastructure, and guarantee communities a binding vote before amalgamation. Every party falls short.”

“Local government decisions determine how much households pay in rates, whether infrastructure works, and how well essential services are delivered. Yet reform has barely featured in the election debate.”

“Parties cannot credibly campaign on the cost of living while ignoring council bills. Ratepayers deserve to know what the next government will do to control council costs and strengthen accountability.”

“The Coalition has made progress, but its proposed rates cap is too slow and too weak. Ratepayers should not have to wait until 2029 for a cap that excludes water and leaves councils free to shift increases into fees and levies.”

“Labour prefers Local Government New Zealand’s Ratepayer Assistance Scheme to a rates cap. Letting households defer their rates does nothing to reduce the bill or force councils to control spending.”

“The Greens, Te Pāti Māori and Opportunity oppose rates capping while wanting to give councils more taxpayer money. More funding without spending restraint offers ratepayers little prospect of relief.”

“Reform must also give elected councillors access to the information they need to scrutinise spending. Voters cannot hold councils accountable if their own representatives are kept in the dark.”

“Ratepayers will live with the consequences of this election long after the campaign ends. This guide puts the questions parties should be answering into voters’ hands.”