Governing Body passes Budget

 

From Auckland Council:

$1.4 billion for new assets in budget

Auckland Council has today adopted its 2016/2017 budget, setting out $1.4 billion for new assets and an average rates increase of 2.4 per cent.

In addition to the investment in new assets, the budget also allocates $3.7 billion to deliver day-to-day council services. The 2.4 per cent rates increase breaks down into a 2.5 per cent increase for residential and 1.9 per cent increase for business ratepayers.

The budget was agreed following public consultation on four key rating issues, and comes as Auckland faces a period of unprecedented growth, with the population set to grow to 2.2 million in the next 30 years.

The council adopted the budget at today’s Governing Body meeting. Auckland Mayor Len Brown says the budget and investment will help the city meet the challenges that growth brings, while remaining a budget of minimal change.

“After nearly six years of change since amalgamation, it was time for some stability and this budget delivers that,” he says.

“Aucklanders made it very clear during the consultation process what they wanted and I am confident they will understand and respect the decisions made today, as well as the sentiment and thinking behind them.”

The final budget will be available on the council’s website in due course.

—ends—

 

The budget (Annual Plan) passed 12-8 with one absent (Councillor Casey) with the Uniform Annual General Charge set to $394 in a separate vote 13-8.

 

This is the last Budget to be passed under Mayor Len Brown with a new Mayor to set the next Annual Plan next year and the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan in 2018.

 

I will also leave this here to in case Councillors or candidates go grandstanding: