Bill could mean rates reductions

Press, 30 November 1982, Page 22

Bill could mean rates reductions

Parliamentary reporter ■ Publicity about a bill which would allow local authorities to introduce uniform annual general charges was disappointing and incorrect, a Parliamentary select committee has been told. A joint submission by the Counties’ Association and the Municipal Association said that proposals in the Local Government Amendment (No. 2) Bill might lead to a reduction in rates for many ratepayers. The bill, which is being considered by a select committee, includes more than 30 amendments to the Local Government Act. 1974. One of the changes would allow

local authorities to make a uniform annual general charge of up to $l5O. The Counties’ Association and Municipal Association submission gave general support to the bill. It said that publicity which had said that the uniform annual general charge, lump sum contributions, and differential rating would be an addition cost for ratepayers was incorrect. The three measures might mean a rates reduction for many residents because they would level out charges which could not be calculated on the basis of property value. These charges could include general administra-

tion, planning, and environmental and social services. People who paid more would generally be those who were not contributing enough for the services they received, they said. Property value had ceased to be an indicator of ability to pay. Rapidly escalating property values caused particular hardship to those on fixed incomes and to people who were struggling to buy their own homes. Some important services had been stopped because of public disquiet about the small number of exceptionally high individual rates. The new measures were essential as an alternative or

to supplement existing rating methods if many territorial authorities were to develop t non-property services. Restrictions included in the bill would protect ratepayers from the improper use of the measures. The submission said that the proposed changes to the law on imposing development levies were fraught with difficulties and anomIt also asked that the bill be changed to allow territorial authorities to set their own fees for services such as inspections, instead of having to go through expensive and , time-consuming special ; order procedures. : _. _ :