Rates affordability Debate

Economic Benefits - Employment Opportunities

Option 2

Residents supporting Option 2 acknowledge its balance between financial responsibility and service maintenance but express concerns about the impact of rate increases on low-income households, emphasizing the need for targeted relief measures. They advocate for the preservation of essential services such as public libraries, which are crucial for economically disadvantaged groups, and stress the importance of making these services accessible and equitable. Additionally, there is a call for the council to prioritize projects that support job creation and provide opportunities for those on low incomes or seeking work, focusing on sectors like affordable housing, education, and climate resilience.

Table of comments:

Point No	Comment
864.1	Option Two strikes a balance between financial responsibility and maintaining services; however, the proposed rate increases are likely to impact low-income households. This demands further consideration of targeted relief measures for lower-socioeconomic communities.Given significant job losses and worsening unemployment, NCC needs to provide rates relief or other options for those in financial hardship.
987.1	Option Two strikes a balance between financial responsibility and maintaining services; however, the proposed rate increases are likely to impact low-income households. This demands further consideration of targeted relief measures for lower socioeconomic communities, such as the Victory community.  We need more information about which services the council is suggesting to reduce under option two. Some services, such as public libraries, are significantly more important to those on low incomes and need to be preserved as a priority. Essential services need to be identified and made accessible and equitable for all diverse communities, especially for those who rely on community resources.  Given significant job losses and worsening unemployment, NCC will need to provide rates relief or other options for those in financial hardship. We encourage the prioritisation of new services that support job creation and provide opportunities for those on low incomes or seeking work, as well as those projects that benefit our diverse communities. Projects could focus on affordable housing, access to education, social services, financial relief measures, sustainable kai measures, climate resilience etc. In the 2018 Census statistics, 53.2% of Victory Village residents either owned or partly owned their homes. Increasing rates have a flow-on effect to the already high costs of rental housing, how will the council offset the impacts for low and middle-income whanau.