Law change reinforces Councils’ community focus

Christchurch’s Acting Mayor Andrew Turner is welcoming changes to the Local Government Act that reinforce the role of councils in promoting community wellbeing.

Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner

The Local Government (Community Well-being) Amendment Bill passed its third and final reading in Parliament last night, effectively reinstating the four aspects of community well-being – social, economic, environmental and cultural – into the Local Government Act.

Cr Turner says the reinstatement of the four wellbeings into the Local Government Act is recognition of the significant role that Councils play in lifting the wellbeing of their communities.

“People and communities are at the heart of everything we do so it is right that this law change acknowledges that Councils have a broader role in fostering liveable communities than simply providing core services,’’ he says.

“It was unfortunate the four wellbeings were removed from the legislation in the first place and Christchurch City Council welcomes their reinstatement.’’