Raumati-Paraparaumu Community Board Deputy Chair Guy Burns is dismayed the Council is considering an average rate increase of 5.9% for the 2017/2018 period. This figure is outrageous considering the large number of ratepayers on fixed incomes and an inflation rate well under one percent over the last 12 months.

“Kapiti Coast District Council’s Long Term Plan 2015 to 2035, projects an average rates increase of 3.3 percent over the next 20 years; based on an inflation rate of 2 to 3.5 percent. Inflation has been well under that figure and I would expect our rates to rise at a figure similar to Wellington—well under 4 percent.

“Mayor Guru is blaming most of the rise on inflation and depreciation (Kapiti News p6, 29 March 2017). I suggest the planned massive rate increase is closely connected to high debt, a ballooning organisational structure and the $40 million Town Centre upgrade.

“In the short-term, Council should consider scrapping the ill-thought-out Town Centre upgrade and use the savings of a budgeted $2.1 million for 2017/2018 towards reducing ratepayers’ misery.

“Longer term, an independent review of the organisational structure and systems of Kapiti Coast District Council, with the goals of efficiency, effectiveness and productivity will considerably reduce costs for ratepayers.”