Council updates  |  24 Feb 2022

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A budget which focuses on doing the basics well and strengthening Christchurch’s infrastructure will go out for public consultation next month.

Christchurch City Council on Thursday approved its Draft 2022/23 Annual Plan, which outlines what it will spend on projects and day-to-day services over the next financial year and how these will be financed.

“We have heard our community’s call for us to focus on doing the basics and doing them well and that has driven our decision-making in this Draft Annual Plan,’’ says Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

“Our draft budget closely aligns with what we set out in our 2021-31 Long Term Plan.  As we signalled, we are prioritising the work that needs to be done to secure our water supply, improve the health of our waterways, and to repair our roads and footpaths so that we create a safe, sustainable transport network.

“We are still investing in the new facilities and infrastructure needed to support Christchurch’s growth, but we have slightly reduced our capital spending in this Draft Annual Plan. COVID-19 is causing supply chain issues worldwide so we need to be realistic about what projects we can deliver over the next 12 months,’’ the Mayor says.

The Council is also mindful that high inflation is pushing up the cost of living for residents so it wants to keep rate increases as low as possible.

The average proposed increase across all ratepayers is 4.96 per cent – slightly lower than the 4.97 per cent forecast in the Long Term Plan. 

Changes agreed today include the following:

  • A proposed capital grant to help develop a new Edgeware Pool facility has been added to the Draft Annual Plan, and if it goes ahead, it would have a 0.01 per cent impact on rates in the 2022/23 financial year, with a further 0.02 per cent in 2023/24.
  • A decision not to include a proposed increase in charges for children’s entrance fees and swimming lessons at our sports and recreation centres in the Draft Annual Plan, which will have a 0.01 per cent impact on rates in the 2022/23 financial year.
  • A grant of $400,000 over two years to the Pukeko Centre, to be funded from the Capital Endowment Fund. 

“The organisation has worked hard to find day-to-day savings that don't compromise the delivery of the services that our communities expect. However, we have balanced the need to keep costs down against the need to invest in our city’s infrastructure and services for future generations,’’ the Mayor says.

“The Draft Annual Plan 2022/23 includes money for projects and initiatives that support our goal to halve our greenhouse gas emissions and to build our climate resilience so we are ready for the challenges the future will bring.

“We've also created a separate Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (OARC) activity plan. The OARC is one of the most inspiring opportunities in our city - a true legacy in the making. The opportunities it offers will span decades, and this new activity plan will help make sure the Council’s commitments are more accessible to the community,’’ the Mayor says.

The Draft Annual Plan will go out for public consultation on 11 March.