Media Release 21.06.07: City Vision Councillor says "Too Little, Too Late"

"The Motion proposed by Cr Milne to the Finance and Corporate Business Committee component of the Combined Committee Meeting of 21 June is blatant election year politicking that is legally flawed" said Cr Richard Northey,

"It is far too late for Citizens and Ratepayers Now Councillors to seek minor adjustments to the water price increases which start on 1 July. They have failed in their legal duty to come up with clear and specific proposals about the level of rates rises that would need to be imposed instead. They have voted for these water price increases at every stage and block voted against all attempts to reduce them. Auckland residents need certainty now about next month's rates levels and water prices.

"The first opportunity to make major changes to the water pricing policy is in the Council's Annual Plan Direction Setting meeting immediately after the elections in November. City Vision will carry out a comprehensive review of Metrowater's performance. This review will cover vital social and environmental standards together with the financial imperatives.. We shall consider options such as volumetric, bulk and progressive pricing systems, including a basic amount charged at a lower level. We will establish whether the current structure, mode of operation and charging is appropriate to satisfy the needs of water users and is consistent with our values and those of our community."

Cr Richard Northey, ph 634 1494 or 027 247 9662

Ends

Posted Tue 03 Jul 2007