Raising The Rates.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 63, 16 March 1931, Page 6

Raising The Rates.

To th« Editor. Dear Sir,—l think it is very unjust, that the City Council authorities should have the power to place on any property an artificial value, which has the effect of squeezing more money out of the ratepayers’ pockets. I have a house and section which, two years ago, was valued for rating purposes at £7OO. This year, in spite of the fall in all classes of landed property, the rating value was increased to £825—£70 on section, and £55 on improvements. The market value of this property has fallen at least £IOO, yet the Council has raised the value in this arbitrary manner without giving me an opportunity of entering a protest. The value of a section owned by my son has also been increased, from £l7O to £225, although not a penny has been spent in improvements, except the nailing on of twenty or thirty loose palings. I should like to know, sir, if other ratepayers have been similarly treated. It is a power the council should not possess, as it can be so easily abused.—l am, etc.. W.H.W.

The values are fixed by the Valuation Department, not the City Council, but the City Council has certainly done little to mitigate the effect, as far as rating is concerned. of the increased values.—Ed., *' Star.”