Ratepayer victory: Government moves to protect local democracy in Auckland

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is claiming a major victory after the Government confirmed it will change the law to ensure that only elected members can vote on Auckland Council committees.

Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesman Josh Van Veen said:

“Following a campaign by the Ratepayers’ Alliance, Local Government Minister Simon Watts has agreed to close the legal loophole in a Government bill that would have allowed unelected members of the Independent Māori Statutory Board to retain voting rights on Auckland Council committees.”

“This is a major victory for local democracy in Auckland. As we have long argued, the power to vote on how ratepayers’ money is spent must rest with people whom ratepayers can vote out.”