Guidelines for reform due on July 10

Press, 1 June 1988, Page 9

Guidelines for reform due on July 10

By

KAY FORRESTER

The new guidelines for local government reform would be known by July 10, said the Minister of Local Government, Dr Bassett, in Christchurch yesterday.

The Local Government Commission would have its terms of reference by that date and would be able to begin the process of reform, he said.

The guidelines would be wide enough to allow the commission flexibility in determining the best structure for particular communities, he said. Dr Bassett told journalists at a briefing on the Government reform programme that the driving motive behind the Government’s commitment to reform was better value for money for the ratepayers.

There might not necessarily be savings under amalgamation but if the “new councils are willing and the proper staff is there we can achieve better value,” he said.

He repeated assurances that the Government was not directing the Local Government Commission on how it should reform in certain areas. That de-

pended on the circumstances in the area. The new guidelines would not refer to specific mergers or reforms but provide general parameters for the commission. Dr Bassett was confident that once the terms of reference were announced the commission could meet the deadline of the October, 1989, local body elections with its reforms.

“The timetable is tight. Everyone knew it would be. The changes will be in place,” he said. Dr Bassett warned local authorities there would not be a rapid devolution of functions from central

government to new councils.

“That is some way down. the track,” he said. The Government has set up an Information Office for Local Government Reform within the Internal Affairs Department. It is headed by Mr lan McCutcheon, a local body officer.

Dr Bassett said the office would provide a reference point for information and comment on the reform process and aims.

He is leading something of an information campaign himself. A briefing similar to yesterday’s was given to Auckland journalists, and he plans to visit other centres to “listen and talk to the people at the workface of local government.”