Federated Farmers Submission for Horizons Draft Annual Plan 2017-18
Summary of our submission:
- That Council keep rates increases rates increases over the life of the plan within the Local Government Cost Index, spending to a minimum and look to maximise efficiencies where possible.
- That Council note the impact of property revaluations and our above-mentioned concerns.
- That Council carefully consider the above options for minimising the impact of the rating valuation spike on rural properties.
- That Council further develop means to make for a fairer and more equitable rating system.
- That Council only use the general rate where there is a correlation between a ratepayer’s property value and the benefit they receive from the expenditure, or the amount the ratepayer contributes towards the need for the expenditure.
- That Council continues to reduce reliance on the general rate where possible.
- That targeted rates are used where there is a direct link between who receives the benefit and the activity.
- That targeted uniform charges are used when everyone receives the same benefit from an activity and council utilise UAGCs to as close to the statutory limit of 30% as possible.
- That Council adopt the proposal to increase funding for science monitoring.
- That Council divert the saving from decreased forestry works to other areas of the SLUI program.
For more on our submission, see the full document