Rates will punish

As your local elected representatives in the AlbertEden-Roskill area, we are concerned that you face the highest rates increases next year.

In Albert-Eden, over 13,000 households are projected to receive rates increases of more than 10 per cent.

In Puketapapa the number is over 6000. Many will face increases of over 20 per cent.

The reasons are varied and include the hangover from merging seven different rating systems, ongoing reductions in the business differential and big increases in residential valuations in our area.

Whatever the reason, it is unacceptable that residents in Albert-Eden-Roskill have to carry such a load, particularly when other communities and the business sector are receiving rates decreases.

As your representatives, we have argued for a more balanced approach.

No household should face increases of over 10 per cent in any one year, particularly after years of large increases.

We have advocated for a 10 per cent ‘‘rates cap’’ on your behalf.

We were extremely disappointed that a recent meeting of the governing body narrowly voted this proposal down.

We will keep fighting for a fair level of investment in our communities — and for a rates cap to limit unsustainable increases for our local households.

In early 2015 the community will have an opportunity make submissions to the long term plan in favour of a rates cap.

We strongly encourage all local residents to speak up.