Federated Farmers submission on Auckland Council's Annual Plan 2016
Federated Farmers is generally supportive of the government’s 2012 “Better Local Government” package and the legislative changes that have subsequently arisen from that package. It is noted that the purpose of councils is stated in the relevant legislation as being both “to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities” and “to meet the current and future needs of communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses”. Federated Farmers see the emphasis of these “purpose” provisions as being firmly on councils undertaking activities efficiently, at low cost and being fiscally prudent.
Federated Farmers also generally supports the purpose of the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2014, which makes it clear that the usual requirement to consult does not apply where a proposed annual plan does not include significant or material differences from the long-term plan for the year to which the annual plan related.
Accordingly, Federated Farmers confines its comments on the Budget to the matters about which the Council invites people to “have your say”, being the key rating issues Council is seeking feedback on.
Please see the full submission for more information