Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image
Article image

Savings forecast

An amalgamated Christchurch could save SSM a year in costs, believes the chairman of the Local Government Commission, Mr Brian Elwood.

If an amalgamated city of the Heathcote, Waimairi, Riccarton and Christchurch councils did not cost less to administrate, something would be radically wrong, he said yesterday. Savings could be had from amalgamation because some costs would not be duplicated.

It was up to the people running the new council to make sure savings were achieved, Mr Elwood said. During a 10-year period, $5O million could be saved without job loss, by having one council rather than four. In the transition period, there would be some duplication but attrition and repositioning would reduce staff numbers. Some councillors were sceptical of the savings forecast. “If you can’t make it work and make those savings, there is something wrong,” Mr Elwood said. It was the commission’s job to give Christchurch a structure and for the councillors to make it work. If they did not they would have to answer to the electors.

This article text was automatically generated and may include errors. View the full page to see article in its original form.
Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19860220.2.6

Bibliographic details

Press, 20 February 1986, Page 1

Word Count
172

Savings forecast Press, 20 February 1986, Page 1

Savings forecast Press, 20 February 1986, Page 1