About a month ago we contacted the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) about the work they were doing for the Government on rates capping.  We expect that KCDC – alongside many other Councils who are members of Local Government NZ – would be campaigning against rates capping, and we wanted the ratepayer’s voice to be heard alongside Council voices.

Some of our team met with members of the DIA team earlier this week.  We provided DIA with the following slide pack, which outlined the situation we see in Kapiti, the reasons why Concerned Ratepayers Kapiti supports the rates cap concept, and key factors to take into account in the design of a rates cap.  There are several options to how a rates cap could be done, and the success and durability of a rates cap depends crucially on how its designed. 

We pointed out to DIA that even though we expect the official KCDC position will be to oppose a rates cap, KCDC is effectively working to a rates cap at the moment.  It’s just that the KCDC rates cap is set at 7% average increases per annum for the foreseeable future!    

We were well received by the DIA team.  The meeting went well over the allotted hour, and DIA asked many questions about the suggestions we made. 

DIA are still developing their options, and a formal public consultation process is likely to be later this year.  We will be doing a submission on their consultation proposals when they come out, but its good to have an discussion with DIA now to help them develop their thinking at an early stage.

You can read our presentation to DIA here…