Communities and Residents (C&R) says Auckland Council is misleading ratepayers about this year’s rates increase, with many households and businesses receiving bills higher than they were led to believe.
The repeated claim of an average 7.9 per cent increase does not reflect the real cost for ratepayers, who will also be paying more in fixed charges and targeted rates.
Commercial ratepayers can expect to be paying almost 10 per cent more - 2.4 times the rate of a residential property of the same value. These costs will likely be passed on to consumers.
Higher commercial rates target a smaller voting group than the much larger residential ratepayer base, meaning the trade-off is strategic.
"Ratepayers don't pay an average - they pay the bill that arrives in their letterbox," says C&R President David Hay.
“It is difficult to believe Council was not aware of what it was doing when it failed to communicate the full impact of this increase.
“Instead of telling the truth, Council opted for damage control, downplaying criticism of an already unpopular decision by selling a myth.
“Furthermore, commercial ratepayers are being expected to stump up for residential growth, which Wayne Brown no doubt sees as most politically expedient considering they make up a smaller voting population.
“There is an alarming disregard for people’s money at a time when the cost of living is front of mind.
“With decisions like this, it is no wonder why ratepayers are losing trust.
“C&R is calling for greater transparency around these increases and respect for those who pay for the city we all enjoy.”
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