LGNZ welcomes Labour’s commitment to the full Ratepayers Assistance Scheme (RAS)

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) welcomes the announcement from Labour today to implement the full Ratepayer Assistance Scheme (RAS), providing practical cost-of-living relief through allowing ratepayers to postpone their rates and development contribution charges.

Labour Party Leader Rt Hon Chris Hipkins made the announcement at SuperLocal, LGNZ’s annual conference, in Rotorua.

LGNZ Chief Executive Scott Necklen says the RAS it is a practical way local and central government can work together to support New Zealanders and is calling on all political parties to support.

“LGNZ has been working to get cross-party political support for the RAS to ensure this ready-to-go cost of living solution is implemented quickly.”

“The RAS will considerably help households battling cost pressures by providing them the choice to keep more cash in their back pocket and lower the cost of their interest repayments on a new house.”

“Councils across the country understand ratepayers have been under pressure with the high cost of living for a prolonged period.”

“That is exactly why LGNZ, alongside its key partners, has developed and advocated for a tool that can be used alongside private sector experts to put more money in New Zealanders' back pockets.”

An independent review panel consisting of Nelson Mayor Hon Dr Nick Smith, independent economist Cameron Bagrie, and Stuart Henderson reviewed the RAS business case with all three components Labour has committed to.