This is my submission on the Auckland Council Emergency Budget.
General rates increase for 2020/2021
3.5 per cent average general rates increase
While I do not support endless rises in rates, we cannot afford to be cutting mores services or investment. The proposed cuts as a result of a 2.5% increase mean even more drastic cuts that we cannot afford.
Rates postponement for ratepayers impacted by COVID-19
I support the proposal
COVID19 has hit households very differently and some will definitely need support. For those ratepayers that do take this up, consideration should be given to a progressive payment plan so they are not hit with 2 years worth of rates in a year. Also the impact of COVID19 will reach beyond the next 12 months so this may need further extension.
Suspending the targeted rate paid by accommodation providers
I support the proposal
With international tourism suspended, it's absolutely sensible to suspend this and the projects it was meant to fund.
Other feedback - what is important to you? (limited to 4000 characters)
The proposed budget is really disappointing. It lacks vision, is extremely short sighted and consultation has been poor.
I appreciate it was written with urgency, but the gaps highlight the need for better disciplines within council. Projects have been cancelled or delayed because council has been too slow to get them underway, while less important work continues. Many programmes cut will have a greater impact than just economic, especially climate change actions, infrastructure and environmental management.
I strongly disagree with cuts to;
public transport, which will lead to more congestion, more emissions and less mobility for many who rely on these services;
transport safety initiatives and "compromised" Community Safety Fund which will lead to more deaths and injuries;
80-90% renewals for buildings, playgrounds and open spaces, many already in a dreadful state;
preventative Watercare maintenance, which will lead to more flooding and waterway contamination;
biodiversity programmes like pest eradication, Kauri Dieback and grants;
Climate Change and Emission reduction programmes like electric buses and response fund;
Local Board discretionary spending which will hurt communities.
I disagree with selling massive amounts of assets, especially during an economic downturn when values are lower. This looks like a thinly veiled attempt to sell assets in a fire sale, using the economic crisis as a weak excuse. Panuku Development Auckland largely operates outside of public view which must change - every decision to consider an asset for sale must be done with robust consultation and informed choice, including Local Boards.
I'm deeply disappointed in the consultation process. While the documents do a decent job of laying out the challenges, they don’t fully explain the options or cuts. There are critical details buried in the supporting document, which is difficult to read and not aligned. It has been extremely difficult to get answers to basic questions, often to clarify information that should already be available. For example vague statements around reduced funds for the Eastern Busway seemed to suggest there would be a delay or reduction in scope. I asked the Mayor, Councillors, staff on the webinar and the Local Board before I got an answer from AT. A simple explanation would have explained that this was a good news story, with Council committed to a critical project.
The world has changed dramatically, but this consultation followed the same old thinking. There was very little attempt to engage in other ways, especially given the history of poor diversity in council consultation. Burying details in a PDF isn't engaging or accessible. Community webinars weren’t well advertised, answered few questions and inexplicably required registration two days prior. These should have been opportunities for discussion, but they were largely one way and ended early. I didn't get answers to questions until 10 days later, 2 days before feedback closed.
While it's good to see efficiency and improvement projects, it's too little too late. These should’ve started years ago, with serious focus on delivering value and reducing waste, instead we’ve lost a decade. Organisations should always look to improve, but a health and economic crisis isn’t a great time to start.
With estimates putting the gap for local government at $1.5b, Auckland Council is not alone but there is only a small mention of government engagement and support. One of the promises of the supercity was a stronger relationship with government, we haven't seen it.
The economic future is unknown and the budget must be reviewed throughout the year and if funding increases, we must revisit cut programmes and reinstate them as possible. There should be a prioritised plan of projects that can be kick-started immediately if funding is available from revenue or government.
Auckland is a fantastic place to live, we can and must do better than this budget.