Manurewa and Papakura residents will need to act decisively to help set a solid foundation for their local communities recovery from COVID-19 by giving their feedback on Auckland Council’s Emergency Budget, says Manurewa-Papakura ward Councillor Angela Dalton.
Auckland Council is now consulting on its 2020/2021 Emergency Budget, its response to the substantial financial blow of the Covid-19 crisis and an expected half a billion-dollar hole shortfall in the council’s income.
“Over the past weeks the shock of COVID-19 has been felt in every local community across the country, this next phase of recovery will be a more formidable challenge for our south Auckland communities,” says Councillor Dalton.
“With the council’s large income losses over the next financial year we face multi-million-dollar cuts to our capital budget for new projects and millions of dollars less for delivering current services.
“We have worked hard to reduce our expenditure and find millions of dollars in savings by pausing projects and work programmes, reducing service levels, cutting salaries, and reducing our workforce, however, further budget reductions will be needed.” she says.
“Our decisions will be balanced against putting our communities first and the essential services Aucklander’s value and rely on the most. The choices we have to make as a council are unprecedented and difficult, which is why we need our people to tell us what is best for them and their community.
“The proposed Emergency Budget gives Aucklanders a choice between a 2.5 per cent or a 3.5 per cent rates increase and provides information on the differing impacts these will have.
“The rates Manurewa and Papakura pay fund the services and facilities our people cherish - our libraries, pools and gyms, community venues and world-class parks such as Auckland Botanic Gardens, rates also provide investment in sports facilities, local transport and our environment.
“The council is also asking for feedback on a proposed rates postponement scheme to help people facing financial hardship because of COVID-19.
As ward Councillor, the feedback I receive from people in my community and across the region is crucial, what they say matters. It will help to shape our future and gives me the direction needed to make the decisions that are best for Auckland as a whole.
“With Aucklanders help we can set a solid foundation for the recovery of Manurewa and Papakura and of our region and work towards restoring services and continuing with new projects in the future.
“Together we can get through this crisis.”
Consultation is open now until 19 June. Visit akhaveyoursay.nz/emergency-budget to have your say.
