Ratepayers demand full breakdown of biggest rates rise in history

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is demanding a full breakdown of Mayor Wayne Brown’s historic 7.9 percent rates increase.On Monday, the council’s Budget and Performance Committee approved the mayoral proposal for public consultation early next year.

Earlier this month, the Ratepayers’ Alliance challenged Mayor Brown’s claim that the planned 7.9 percent rates rise is due to the cost of running the City Rail Link (CRL).

Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesman Josh Van Veen said:

"The Long-term Plan budgeted an extra $294 million in rates revenue next year. Mayor Brown has always claimed that the increase was to cover the cost of the CRL.

"But the council has yet to put a specific number on how much of that can be attributed to the CRL.

"Yesterday, council officers indicated to the committee that nearly half of the rates increase could be due to factors other than the CRL, casting further doubt on the mayor’s claim.

"We are urging councillors to ensure the public consultation material includes a clear and detailed breakdown of what accounts for the extra $294 million that Aucklanders are going to pay in rates next year."