Christchurch City Council has listened and responded to residents’ calls for continued investment in core infrastructure and to keep rates increases as low as possible.
In its draft 10 year budget to be considered next week, the Council is proposing a $3.774 billion investment in upgrading and protecting our city’s water networks and transport infrastructure over the next 10 years.
It is also proposing an average residential rates increase for 2021/22 of 4.59 per cent, which equates to an extra $2.51 a week on average. This is lower than the 5 per cent average residential rates increase proposed in the Draft Long Term Plan 2021–31 that went out for consultation in March this year.
The average rates increase for all ratepayers which is now proposed for 2021/22 is 4.85 per cent. The average rates increase for all ratepayers proposed in the Draft Long Term Plan that went out for public consultation was 5.56 per cent.
Community feedback from more than 2300 groups and individuals has also prompted a number of proposed changes to the Draft Long Term Plan that the Council consulted on. The recommended changes are outlined in a report that will be considered by elected members at a special Council meeting on 21 and 23 June, at which the Long Term Plan 2021–31 will be finalised.
“We have listened to our community. Some very clear themes came through in the submissions which have influenced the recommendations I am making,” Mayor Dalziel says.
“It was not surprising that there was a real sense that we needed to future-proof our city and district in this Long Term Plan, recognising the impacts climate change would impose. Public and active transport were supported in submissions, alongside the need to maintain investment in roads and footpaths,” Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel says.
“The other theme that came through was a strong desire across a range of communities wanting to partner with us, so that together we could achieve much more.”
“After feedback from the community, I’m also recommending that we don’t go ahead with some of the proposed changes to our levels of service outlined in the Draft Long Term Plan, such as closing the Riccarton Bus Lounges.’’
Other proposed changes to the Draft Long Term Plan 2021–31 consulted on include:
Mayor Dalziel says, “I’m pleased that we have been able to keep the rates increase at this level while maintaining our investment in critical infrastructure and services. Since the Draft Long Term Plan was published, our rating base has grown which means we’re expecting to bring in more income via rates,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.
“We’re also expecting an improved dividend from our trading company Transwaste and have had to borrow less to meet the COVID-19 shortfall due to prudent financial management in this financial year.
“All of these factors have enabled us to offset some of the changes that have been included as a result of the feedback we’ve received from our community.”
The Mayor is also recommending the Council:
Please note that the full list of Mayor’s recommendations will be available later today.