Rates rise could drive out elderly residents

ELDERLY people could be driven out of Dunedin if the city council goes ahead with the planned rates increase in its draft 10year plan, councillors were warned yesterday.

During an at times passionate submission on the Dunedin City Council’s 10year plan, Grey Power Otago president Jo Millar told councillors there was very little in the plan for the city’s elderly residents. In fact, the proposed rates increases, 7.3% in the first year and an average of 4.5% during the following nine years, would lead to some elderly residents moving out of the city, Mrs Millar said.

‘‘I’ve never had so many members coming in to me so concerned. They can’t believe what you lot are trying to do.’’

None of the large projects the council was proposing to build with the increased rates would benefit seniors, she said.

The financial burden for people over 65 was being eased by central Government with cheaper hospital visits and other policies, but the council would take that all away through rates rises, she said.

She also warned those councillors seeking reelection next year their votes on the final plan would be recorded and given to Grey Power members.

Cr Christine Garey asked if she and Grey Power members were aware of the council’s requirement to make a plan which was then opened up for consultation.

Mrs Millar said she was aware of the process as she had taken part in previous consultations but the concerns of elderly residents had come to nothing.

She also had a dig at the Otago Regional Council saying its consultation process was like ‘‘hitting your head against a concrete wall’’.

Mayor Dave Cull asked which city Grey Power thought better served its elderly residents.

Napier had an excellent reputation among elderly people and the Napier City Council had ‘‘embraced’’ policies which helped make the city accessible for senior residents, Mrs Millar said.

Mr Cull reminded her Dunedin had the lowest rates of any city in the country.