The Auckland Council is seeking public feedback on its long-term plan (LTP) until the end of the month. The LTP outlines the council’s goals for the next 10 years, including how they plan to achieve them and fund them. The plan is reviewed every three years, and this year’s review will set the council’s direction from 2024 to 2034.
The council, led by Mayor Wayne Brown, has proposed several key issues to address in the LTP. One of the main ways the council plans to increase its income is by raising rates. The current LTP suggests increasing rates to cover rising costs, with the lowest proposed increase being 5.5 percent next year, dropping to 3.5 percent in 2026 and 2027.
Additionally, Brown proposes increasing water charges, but aims to keep them affordable by asking for government assistance. The average household rates bill could rise from $3560 to $3827, and water bills from $1340 to $1686, a combined total increase of $613.
The council also plans to cut costs around Auckland’s transport and roading systems due to the government’s decision to end the regional fuel tax. This means there won’t be funding for any new road projects until alternative funding methods are found.
The council also aims to reduce its debt, which was pushed to 290 percent of its revenue in 2021 due to Covid. The long-term target is to bring the debt to revenue ratio down to 270 percent.
In terms of Māori outcomes, Brown wants to allocate an extra $171m, but this comes with the condition of a review into how the money is being spent. He emphasizes the importance of working in partnership with Māori to deliver better outcomes.
Lastly, the plan proposes cutting funding for all council-controlled organisations for the next three years, except for Watercare and Auckland Transport. However, Eke Panuku, which manages the council’s property portfolio, will have to cut costs.
