Time running out to have your say on Council’s 10-year budget
There are just days remaining to have your say on our 10-year work plan and budget, Chair Peter Scott says.
We’ve heard from a range of people since consultation opened on 13 March, with some asking us to do more and others suggesting areas we could cut back or delay work.
Time is running out to tell us what you think about our 10-year work plan and budget.
“Council values the time and effort that goes into doing a submission and we want to reassure everyone it does make a difference,” said Scott.
“It’s important that we hear from as many people as possible. It’s okay to simply signal you think we’re on the right track. It’s also fine to let us know areas you think we could trim back our work plans or spending. We don’t know what you think unless you tell us.”
Peter Scott, Chair, Environment Canterbury
People have until Sunday 14 April to provide feedback on the consultation document, which presents a range of options, and price tags, for delivering the core services the regional council is responsible for. These are:
- Environmental Regulation and Protection
- Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
- Public Transport.
“The proposals deliver on what we’ve heard from you before for things like public transport, response to hazards, and biodiversity protection,” said Scott.
“The really big question we all have to ask ourselves now is, how much can we afford to do - and what is the cost of not doing it?
“We’ve spent time balancing the ‘must-do’ work with affordability, alongside the impact of inflation and Central Government requirements. This includes using targeted rates – so those who get the benefit are paying the cost,” said Scott.
“But you may still find what we’re proposing to charge in rates unacceptable. If that’s the case, you need to tell us which services are most important to you, and which ones you would be willing to see cut back.”
Impact on your property
The preferred $346.3 million work package for the first year (2024/25) requires a 24.2 per cent increase in total revenue collected from rates. The impact on each household varies depending on the value of the property and the services received.
“Most ratepayers could expect a rise of somewhere between 13 and 27 per cent if the full package proposed goes ahead. Take a look at the sample properties in the supporting information to see dollar examples of the differing amounts.
You can also use our interactive rates calculator to see how a household like yours could be impacted by the options we have available.”
What’s next
The consultation period will be followed by hearings on 29-30 April and 2-3 May. Councillors will deliberate 22-23 May and the final plan will be adopted at the end of June.
How to give feedback
- Online – go to ecan.govt.nz/whatsthecost. This site also includes an interactive rates calculator.
- By email – send it to haveyoursay@ecan.govt.nz – and include your name and address
- By post – you can request a paper submission form by phoning us on 0800 324 636 or download and complete the submission form (PDF file, 288KB) and return it by post to:
FREEPOST 1201
Environment Canterbury
PO Box 345
Christchurch 8140