Media Releases
LGNZ welcomes release of local councils' draft 10 year plans
Councils are currently releasing comprehensive draft 10 year plans that detail their activities and the costs of funding these activities.
Basil Morrison President of Local Government New Zealand welcomes these Long Term Council Community Plans (LTCCPs). "Comprehensive planning for a ten year period is a significant change for councils but the great benefit is that both councils and their communities will have a clear idea of where they are heading in the future.
"This means councils stay accountable to their communities and in turn communities have the opportunity to comment on and endorse specific issues, plans or proposed costs.
"It
is exciting that the LTCCP process gives citizens the chance to have a
say on the future of their local community. I hope everyone gets
involved and has a say on what is important to them.
"The plans address what infrastructure and services local communities view as being important to them.In
some cases, the plans may detail things like how long it should take
for pot-holes to be mended or how many hours the local library is open
each week.
"The challenge for councils is to balance the needs and expectations of their ratepayers for services with the ability to raise income, both from rates and other sources, to cover the cost of those services.
"The reality is that councils today face increased costs. These costs cannot be funded by rates alone and must be addressed by central government. As a result I have been heartened by the additional funding given to the Rates Rebate Scheme which will help those on fixed incomes.
"Central government is looking at a funding review for infrastructure costs at a local level and has recently increased its funding for local communities through water and tourism initiatives.
"Local Government New Zealand will continue to discuss alternative funding options with Government," says Mr Morrison.Long Term Council Community Plans must be adopted by local communities by July 2006.
Ends
6 April 2006
