“This week the Government agreed to reforms that refocus our local councils on delivering essential services and core infrastructure, spending responsibly and operating under greater scrutiny,” said Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford.

“Rates are rising at their fastest pace in over twenty years, affecting everyone in the Bay of Plenty.

“Ratepayers across our region are facing significant increases - 13.5% in Western Bay of Plenty and 13.1% in Tauranga City.

“Both councils need to focus their spending on essential services, not nice-to-have projects.

“The recently released government reform programme will:

• Remove references to the ‘four well-beings’ from the Local Government Act 2002, restoring a purpose focused on fixing pipes, filling potholes, and delivering core local services.
• Refocus local government on basics, guiding council decision-making and avoiding duplication of roles with central Government.
• Benchmark council performance. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) will publish a yearly report on key financial and delivery outcomes, helping ratepayers hold councils accountable. 
• Modernise outdated rules, including removing requirements for newspaper notices, to drive efficiency and cost savings.

“There is no room for wasteful spending.

“The Bay of Plenty deserves value for money, not grand projects while our core infrastructure goes begging. 

“Putting local government on a more efficient, affordable path is a priority for the National-led Government.

“These reforms will be introduced to Parliament next year.”