The Government’s rates cap policy will mean local communities may have start paying for essential services.
“The money for essential services, like water and waste, libraries, parks and footpaths, has to come from somewhere,” Labour local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.
“Councils will be left with no other option but to hike fees or start charging for services that have always been free. Or they’ll have to cut services altogether – either way, communities lose.
“People rely on their rubbish being taken away, clean water from their taps, rural roads being repaired and parks and footpaths being maintained. When that stuff stops happening, remember this decision by Christopher Luxon.
“National is constantly blaming others for the cost of living they have made worse. Instead of the Government acting, they are pushing the problem onto local communities.
“It’s communities that will have to pay for services, or lose them,” Tangi Utikere said.