Links reach i®w ebb’

Press, 16 August 1988, Page 9

Links reach i®w ebb’

The axing of the revenue-sharing scheme means the relationship between local and central Government has reached a new “low ebb,” says a Riccarton Borough councillor.

The Government’s axing of the scheme from next year was very annoying, said Cr Brian Harman, at yesterday’s finance committee meeting.

“I would like to think central Government could treat local government with decency and respect,” he said.

“But it has reached the stage where the relationship between the two has never been at such a low ebb.” The Mayor of Riccarton, Mr Richard Harrington, said the cutting of the revenue-sharing scheme was ludicrous,

and would add to ratepayers’ burdens.

“I wonder how much longer ratepayers can put up with having to fund the shortfalls as the council’s funds are whittled away,” he said.

It was a difficult situation but drastic measures, such as Waimairi District Council’s suggestion of withholding GST payments, would be counterproductive, said Mr Harrington.

Cr Harman said the axing of the scheme undermined local government confidence to take on other functions.

It was possible local government would be asked to take on health, education and police responsibilities, but it was questionable whether the funding available would be adequate, he said.