Businesses bothered by proposed fee increase

THE Southland Chamber of Commerce is suggesting the Invercargill City Council minimise its proposed increases for next financial year, saying some seemed ‘‘excessive’’.

A hearing will be held on Tuesday to consult on the proposed 202324 fees and charges.

Thirteen submissions have been received in total, including one from chamber chief executive Sheree Carey.

While she appreciated the need for a review of the fees to reflect inflation and recover the costs of delivering services, she wanted the council to minimise any increase.

‘‘Businesses and the local community are currently facing a challenging time due in the current economic climate and are experiencing the continued financial impacts of Covid19, staff shortages, interest rate increases and the cost of inflation on their everyday lives.’’

She highlighted the proposed increase of housing rents — about 5% — for elderly and vulnerable people, saying it could cause financial hardship for people already struggling.

She also asked for a delay in any increase in the planning and building services, saying it was important to ‘‘continue to provide an environment that stimulates new developments and our local economy.’’

Ms Carey believed a 100% increase in minimum fees at Waste Transfer Station and 42% in water services seemed excessive.

King Fish Market managing director Greg King agreed the increase on water was massive.

‘‘This places an extra burden on businesses already struggling to maintain and support staff.

‘‘Constant cost increases threaten businesses’ ability to remain viable, maintain profitability and reinvest in staff, plant and product development.’’

Meanwhile, Hayden Powell was worried about the increase from $5 to $10 for the transfer station, saying the attempt to achieve cost neutrality could be counterproductive.

As the news that H&J Smith Department Store, beloved by generations of Southlanders, was set to close reverberated around the nation, and even the world, this week, was among the many who surely felt a little bit like crying.

‘‘Having lived elsewhere until recently, I saw this happen in another council and the end result was considerably more flydumping in parks, reserves and down the end of outlying rural roads.’’

A decision on the matter will be made at the council meeting on Tuesday.