Proposed Hutt City Rates to average less than 1 per cent.

Hutt City Council is proposing an average annual rate rise of less than one per cent in its annual plan for 2013-2014. Councillors have proposed increasing rates revenue by an average of 0.9 per cent reflecting the strong financial management of the Hutt City Council’s finances. I am confident our plan will deliver the lowest rates rises in New Zealand and still provide capacity to maintain momentum through ongoing investment in our infrastructure and new projects that will benefit the city. The annual plan consultation round will also include a review of the city’s urban growth strategy. Growth introduced through a new urban strategy will create opportunities for the city to flourish by providing space for additional housing to cater for an expanding population. We also plan to consult on proposed funding to support science and technology in Lower Hutt as we continue to promote business growth and create employment opportunities. Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, David Bassett, is also pleased with the budget for the year ahead. He says the low rate rise will help residents who are facing tough times while maintaining the pace of development for the city. This means essential services will continue to be upgraded and maintained while meeting the needs of the community. The plan also keeps the council on track to reduce its total debt to $45 million by 2015.