State of the Nation - and Local Government
The Prime Minister's state of the nation speech last week set out central government's priorities for the new year - with some special focus on local government.
The particular issues covered which affect local government were the decision not to go ahead with a land tax, council accountability, and expansion of the Environmental Protection Agency.
LGNZ is pleased with the decision on land tax. We've always said land taxes are inequitable, and that many people simply can't afford land tax as well as rates, especially those on fixed incomes. We congratulate the Government on their decision.
The Prime Minister also talked about "changes that will give all ratepayers better information about their local councils and ultimately more influence over their councils' activities and spending".
As we head into local authority elections this year we know that getting voters to engage with local government is always a challenge. But councils are mandated to consult, and elected members are elected to represent their communities' best interests and decide, in consultation, what councils should do.
I'm disappointed there could be the suggestion councils are unaccountable and unresponsive. We need to show central government that councils are an important part of the governance system and essential to enhancing social and economic development.
Especially significant for local councils was the direct the Prime Minister gave on the expanded "phase 2" Environmental Protection Agency - particularly that there was no suggestion of the EPA picking up additional functions currently performed by regional councils.
These are weighty issues for you all. But they are all areas being addressed by LGNZ policy managers. You can be assured your views will be reflected back to government.
Lawrence Yule
President, Local Government New Zealand
Posted 16 February 2010
