Rates affordability Debate

Operational Considerations - Stakeholder Engagement

Option 2

Residents supporting Option 2 express concerns about the alignment of contractor interests with community needs, suggesting a review or renegotiation of contracts to ensure they are in the best interest of the community. They also highlight the need for targeted financial relief for lower-income households and demand greater transparency regarding which services might be reduced, emphasizing the importance of maintaining essential services like public libraries. Additionally, there is a call for prioritizing projects that support job creation and provide essential services to diverse and economically challenged communities, stressing the importance of equitable access to community resources.

Table of comments:

Point No	Comment
749.1	We the people of Nelson wish to review contracts with Nelmec as they don't have our best interests at heart
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.