Public has say on budget

Auckland Council’s draft Long-term Plan (10-year Budget), largely agreed last December (HM December 11, 2023) goes out for public input this week.

The central proposal recommends average rate increases of 7.5 percent in year one, 3.5 percent in year two, and 8 percent in year three. It also includes ‘do more’ and ‘do less’ options that impact rates and service levels.

Mayor Wayne Brown says the budget requires significant financial restraint and hard choices. “I urge Aucklanders to be pragmatic. My intention is to keep household rates as low as possible, especially during this cost-of-living crisis,” he said.

Public consultation runs from February 28 to March 28. The feedback will be considered in April, and all decisions will be made in May, with the final Long-term Plan adopted by the Governing Body in June.

Feedback https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/hub-page/long-term-plan-2024-2034

For feedback in person, the local board is holding a drop-in session at the Coastival event on March 2 at Western Reserve, Ōrewa, 11am-2pm.