‘User to have greater say’

Press, 27 June 1987, Page 3

‘User to have greater say’

The Government’s userpays policy may result in a “payer-says” situation, the North Canterbury Catchment Board heard yesterday.

The board was discussing the changes to the funding and administration of water and soil conservation activities announced in the Budget.

‘‘The Government is shifting costs from the taxpayer to the ratepayer,” said the board’s chief executive, Mr Ray Wood.

‘‘As a result, the user will have a greater say as to, how that money is spent. “If people in the region are paying for services, it is to be expected they will have a greater say as to

what their services are and how they are performed,” he said. It would be “payersays,” said the board’s manager of operations, Mr Brian Dwyer. The changes meant greater autonomy for the regional catchment boards.

Board members mostly welcomed the new challenge, saying there would be more say for the regional ratepayers and a greater ability to set priorities. “The board is going to have to totally review its financing through rates and the impact of rates throughout the region,” said Mr Wood.

“We warn people there are big changes in the offing.”