Hastings District Council
Rates and revenue
The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.
Rates and revenue
The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.
Build wealth in the community to equip all to meet the costs of living and reduce council debt together.
Introduce levies for multinational corporations to keep rates affordable for local businesses.
Keep land value ratings and/or rates bands to encourage urban densification.
Review long-term plan yearly and make adjustments based on fact by either substitution, removal or suspending projects or developments.
Undertake deep dive on all fiscal matters before council to ensure robust debate so that formal decisions are justified.
Actively engage with financial statements and gain a clear understanding of how ratepayer money is allocated and spent.
Strengthen knowledge in this area to make informed, responsible decisions that reflect the best interests of the community.
Grow revenue through smart investments in commercial property and partnerships, sharing infrastructure costs and reducing the burden on residents.
Supercharge the earning power of council-owned assets such as Toi Toi Events Centre by increasing conferences and utilising laneways to boost income.
Support appointing an independent Auditor General with clear parameters to boost council transparency and trust without costing us the earth.
Base major investments and funding decisions on reliable data and clear business cases.
Pay down council debt to protect future generations from unnecessary financial burdens.
Prioritise spending on core services and projects with strong, proven community benefits.
Maintain ownership of assets and become less dependent on ratepayers and more self-funded.
Promote initiatives that drive tourism and pull revenue from external sources rather than from local pockets.
Remove fees and penalties on late payments of rates or parking tickets when a payment arrangement is established.
Explore alternative funding partnerships with central government and private sector to reduce the rates burden.
Halt non-essential projects and nice-to-haves until debt is under control.
Review all council fees, charges and investments to ensure fairness and affordability.
Build wealth in the community to equip all to meet the costs of living and reduce council debt together.
Introduce levies for multinational corporations to keep rates affordable for local businesses.
Keep land value ratings and/or rates bands to encourage urban densification.
Review long-term plan yearly and make adjustments based on fact by either substitution, removal or suspending projects or developments.
Undertake deep dive on all fiscal matters before council to ensure robust debate so that formal decisions are justified.
Actively engage with financial statements and gain a clear understanding of how ratepayer money is allocated and spent.
Strengthen knowledge in this area to make informed, responsible decisions that reflect the best interests of the community.
Grow revenue through smart investments in commercial property and partnerships, sharing infrastructure costs and reducing the burden on residents.
Supercharge the earning power of council-owned assets such as Toi Toi Events Centre by increasing conferences and utilising laneways to boost income.
Support appointing an independent Auditor General with clear parameters to boost council transparency and trust without costing us the earth.
Base major investments and funding decisions on reliable data and clear business cases.
Pay down council debt to protect future generations from unnecessary financial burdens.
Prioritise spending on core services and projects with strong, proven community benefits.
Maintain ownership of assets and become less dependent on ratepayers and more self-funded.
Promote initiatives that drive tourism and pull revenue from external sources rather than from local pockets.
Remove fees and penalties on late payments of rates or parking tickets when a payment arrangement is established.
Explore alternative funding partnerships with central government and private sector to reduce the rates burden.
Halt non-essential projects and nice-to-haves until debt is under control.
Review all council fees, charges and investments to ensure fairness and affordability.
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