1 July 2007

"This is one race I don't want Christchurch to win," 2021 Council Candidate Tony Milne said in response to Christchurch City Council voting for one of the largest rate increases in the country.

The rate increase approved for 2007/08 of 7.35% follows last year's increase of 8.20% which was up from 3.49% in 2005/06. The LTCCP projections have rates increasing by 8.77% in 08/09 and 9.02% in 2009/2010 under the current council. That's a 25.14% increase in the next three years. This would bring the total rate increase 2006 to 2010 to 33.34%, more than 10 times higher than inflation.

"Our rates may still be low in comparison to Auckland but the people of Christchurch have no desire to be racing to catch up with Aucklanders," Tony Milne said.

"If current trends continue we'll be paying as much in rates as Auckland within 6 years. All of the sitting Councillors who campaigned to keep rates low need to be asked some hard questions," Tony Milne said.

"The people of Christchurch should elect candidates who will respect the rates dollar. $100 million council buildings and $10 million of unnecessary roads through City Mall are examples of the current Council not respecting the rates dollar," Tony Milne said.

"I'm pleased to be part of a 2021 organisation that if given the privilege of leading our city will respect the rates dollar and respect the community voice," Tony Milne said.

Contact: Tony Milne on 021 59 32 59
2021 Council candidate for Riccarton Wigram