Council plans 9.9% rates rise

A rates rise of 9.9% is included in Hutt City Council’s draft Annual Plan for 2023-24.

This increase is 4% higher than the rates rise of 5.9% the council originally planned for this year.

The 9.9% rise would see the average rates bill increase by $5.02 per week per household, or $261 a year, the council says.

People now have the opportunity to make submission to Hutt City Council on its draft annual plan, including the proposed rates increase.

Consultation on the plan opened on 30 March and closes on 30 April.

“This year’s draft Annual Plan is all about striking the right balance,” Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry says.

“It’s really important that we continue to

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“We know high inflation and cost of living is affecting everyone – households, businesses, and organisations right across our community.

“That’s why we have focused on cutting our own cloth first, to offset what would otherwise be highly unaffordable rates increases.

“That has meant we are proposing to defer a number of non-urgent projects and work programmes, and reduced budgets where possible.

“However, even after doing this, we need to be transparent about the fact high inflation and other economic pressures are increasing the cost of council projects.

“This reflects the need to both borrow more to fund these projects, and increase rates to be able to afford this,” the Mayor says..

Investment in water infrastructure makes up about half ($126) of the average $261 rise. The remaining $135 covers cost increases for other council services, from roads and footpaths to parks and community facilities, to rubbish and recycling.

“It’s important that everyone has their say on our proposed plan for the year ahead,” Mr Barry says.

“Public feedback is an important part of the decision-making process for Councillors, and we really value hearing from everyone.”

The consultation can be viewed online at https://www.huttcity.govt.nz/hutt-cityannual-plan-2023.

Hard copies of the consultation are available in neighbourhood hubs and the main council building on Laings Road.