With public consultation in its final days, Manurewa-Papakura Councillor Angela Dalton is urging residents to make their voices heard on Auckland Council’s Emergency Budget.
On Friday 19 June, consultation will close on the council’s response to a predicted half a billion-dollar hit to its income that is expected to have a big impact on local communities.
“This emergency budget will be felt in every household and local community across the city with unparalleled spending cuts, deferrals to capital projects and less money to spend on providing council services in local areas,” says Manurewa-Papakura Councillor Angela Dalton.
“As a council, we have difficult decisions ahead to try to balance our budget while working hard to put our communities first and keep the vital services they rely on.
“But it’s clear that, despite working to reduce our expenditure and find millions of dollars in savings, further budget reductions are needed. There will be less money to spend and changes to how services are run in communities across Manurewa and Papakura.
“To what extent depends on what people have to say and about what level of rates increases they support - either an average general rates increase of 3.5 per cent, or a lower increase of 2.5 per cent.
“Both options would mean a reduction in spending for investment in infrastructure and council services, but there are significant differences in the impact each option would have for local communities.
“That’s why it’s crucial for the people of Manurewa and Papakura to have their say on what they want for their community and give me the clear direction I need to represent you when budget decisions are made.
“Across Manurewa and Papakura there are 19 community and arts venues, 293 local parks, three libraries and six leisure and pool centres which are valued and hugely popular within our communities and funded by council rates.
“So, your voice matters now more than ever. If you haven’t given your feedback on the emergency budget consultation already, then I urge you to do this today before it is too late.
“Together the people of Manurewa and Papakura can help us keep our community strong and help Auckland recover from Covid-19,” says Councillor Dalton.
How to Have Your Say on the Emergency Budget
Consultation on the Emergency Budget 2020/2021 is open until Friday 19 June 2020.
Feedback can be given online at akhaveyoursay.nz/emergency-budget
