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The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board last month voted to continue Auckland Council’s scheme of rates discounts for community and sports groups for the 2021/22 financial year, while they consult with those who will be affected once the scheme ends.
The rates grants will be reviewed again prior to the adoption of the 2022/23 Local Board Agreement.
Three years ago, community groups who pay rates for the properties where they are based, were notified that the discounts provided by Council would end in 2021.
However, individual local boards have discretion to carry on the scheme.
In making the decision at its May 20 meeting, Hibiscus and Bays Local Board members said continuing the discounts for a year will give affected groups breathing room.
In the coming year, members will talk with those groups and also look at the ramifications in more detail. Member Janet Fitzgerald said at the meeting that this must be proper engagement and communication – not just sending out a letter.
The local board is only continuing rates remissions for those who get substantial discounts, chiefly because Council considers it is not economical to continue small rates remissions. This means the Hibiscus Coast Community RSA will lose its 4 percent rates remission.
Groups that currently receive a significant percentage of rate remission include Silverdale United Rugby Football Club, which currently receives a 43 percent rates remission; Ōrewa Masonic Lodge (50 percent); Girl Guides Ōrewa (87 percent); and Whangaparāoa Golf Club (17 percent).
Note: Rodney Local Board, which includes Dairy Flat, decided to keep the rates discounts for groups running classes out of community halls (HM May 19).
