Councils accused of tax on warmth

High inspection consent fees set by councils across New Zealand have angered homeowners who say they can’t afford the charges.

Eric Dunkley, 62, who suffers from chronic asthma, decided to get his wall insulated after he became sick of paying $300 a month to heat his home.

However, warm thoughts turned to cold fury when Dunkley found out the installation cost would include a Rotorua Lakes Council inspection charge of $377.

‘‘I’m fuming beyond belief that they (council) can charge me for insulation in my house.

‘‘What really irks me is the Government wants people to insulate their homes. It (building consent) might be compulsory, but why are the charges so high?’’

The Building Act requires a building consent for all retro-fitted wall insulation work, but the charge for the consent – and the inspection – is set by individual councils.

A council spokesperson said that when required, it charges $385 for a single inspection consent.

‘‘The $385 charge includes, in part, council’s building management rate of $185 per hour and business support rates of $135 per hour.’’

But Sunday Star-Times investigation found huge variations in the charges set by councils, ranging from $110 to $540.

Building trade insiders, who requested anonymity due to their dealings with various councils, have also revealed some local authorities can charge as much as $800.

The Bay of Plenty and Waikato operations manager of insulation firm Insulmax, Barrie Mullins, confirmed the wide and unexplained disparity. Sometimes the council fee was higher than the cost of the work.

Mullins said the charge in effect penalises people for trying to warm their homes.

Hamilton grandmother Vivien Hughes, 64, shares Dunkley’s frustration and described the council charge as ‘‘greedy and grasping’’.

Hughes wanted to insulate the two rooms her grandchildren sleep in when they visit, until she realised she’d have to stump up $390 to the Hamilton City Council.

‘‘It’s shameful for young families and elderly people. They’re the ones stuck in these cold houses.’’

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said councils set their own fees, which had to be reasonable for the work involved.

Complaints could be lodged through the office of the Ombudsman.