Councillors set rates increase; approve fees & charges consultation

Today (3/5/2023), Councillors approved an average 6.9% rates increase for the 2023/2024 Annual Plan.

In setting the rates, Councillors were mindful of how rising prices are impacting the community. While the Council last year managed to hold the rate increase to the 5% in the 2021-2031 Long-term Plan, this year 5% was unsustainable in the face of 7% inflation with costs having increased across all Council work programmes.

The 6.9% average rates increase equates to approximately $23 per year for residential ratepayers. Actual amounts for individual ratepayers will always vary due to differences in property valuations.

Environment Southland Chairman Nicol Horrell said savings and redirected funding had been used to lessen the increase as much as possible.

“We are very aware the community is struggling with significantly higher food costs and interest rates, as well as other unavoidable cost of living increases. With that in mind, Councillors considered the options and have kept the rate increase as low as possible while still being able to deliver the services we have committed to.”

As there are no material differences to the Council’s work programme, Environment Southland will not be undertaking a formal consultation process on the Annual Plan. However, we are open to receiving feedback about it from people in the community.

Today (3/5/2023) Councillors also approved the Proposed Fees and Charges schedule for formal consultation. The consultation period opens tomorrow – 4 May 2023 and closes on 4 June 2023.

Changes to the Fees and Charges schedule relate primarily to inflationary adjustments. Wording has also been changed to bring increased clarity of how charges arise and the legislation they are connected to; how they relate to the services we deliver; and the situations they apply in and the level at which they apply. There are also some new charges.

Feedback can be provided on both the Proposed Fees and Charges Schedule and the Annual Plan on our webpage www.es.govt.nz/about-us/consultations via email to consultation@es.govt.nz.

For more information view our Annual Plan frequently asked questions webpage

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