Citizens’ tax idea viewed by authority

Press, 26 October 1982, Page 18

Citizens’ tax idea viewed by authority

PA Wellington The Wellington Regional Authority is looking at some form of citizens' tax as a more equitable way of funding services provided for people in the region, said the council's chairman. Mr Mervyn Kemp. He was commenting on the Urban Transport Amendment Bill introduced in Parliament amid claims by Opposition members of Parliament that it would have the effect of increasing rates in the Wellington area by between $5O and $lOO a year Mr Kemp said that he would not expect and would not want to see rate increases of this order, although he had not yet had a chance to consider the details of the bill. The thrust of the bill is to speed up what the Government describes as the rationalisation of funding for urban transport services. “There was nothing in the bill that spelt out the extra costs that would have to be met by ratepayers.” said Mr Kemp. “I do not believe the sort of increase mentioned is acceptable but we have got to face reality and recognise that there should be some input from people other than taxpayers.

“What I am interested in seeking is another source of funding for regional Government other than from ratepayers.” The Auckland Regional Authority was talking about a citizens' tax — a tax on every working person in the region to pay for its services. He said that the regional council would have to meet the A.R.A. for talks on the subject next-month.