Wellington City Council switches business rates onto residents in DLTCCP
The following was my address to the Mayor & Councillors over the Rates Differential in the Draft Long Term Council Community Plan for 2006/2016Councillors, I continue to regard the shift in the rates differential from the business sector to the residential sector as a redistribution of wealth to the business sector.
Rates are a deduction for business and passed on and this puts an unfair burden on the residential ratepayer. This is effectively a rates subsidy to the wealthy from the poor. Around 30 percent of the residential sector is rented and so there is an even harsher penalty on those who rent. Furthermore, the commercial sector, in particular the CBD, make substantial capital gains that are not taxed. Therefore rates are entirely appropriate at the higher levels that have been levied. There is no need to move the differential any further. In fact it should be reset at a higher level to the business sector, much of which is owned by multi -national corporations where no person is affected, unlike the residential sector.
This is the most political decision you [councillors] make and it cuts to the heart of what Leo Tolstoy meant when he said.. "The rich man will do anything for the poor man except get off his back."
Yesterday, March the 3rd, four Councillors voted against this proposal for the DLTCCP; They were Cr Pepperell, Cr Ruben, Cr Gill, Cr Cook.
posted by pepptalk at 1:55 PM
2 Comments:
All,
Well said, Bryan!
As I told others in a separate email, it is a great pity that those who voted 'for' the change do not listen to, and represent more, the wishes of the voters who put them there.
I firmly believe that councillors who voted 'for' the change will alter their stance as the next WCC elections approach, - only 18 months away!
It is up to the voters, the Progressive Assns, and all those who care about keeping Wellington affordable to all sections of our community, to increase and maintain pressure on the recalcitrant cllrs.
The few of us can only do so much, - it is the public who must exert the power of persuasion.
Cheers,
Jack.
Rates differential Vote lost again!
Council continues to switch business rates onto your rates bill.
I'm saddened to have to tell you that the business sector got another win yesterday at Council. The rates differential will continue to shift in favour of business.
Those voting against this were Leonie Gill, Bryan Pepperell , Jack Ruben , and Step Cook.
Councillor Ahipene Mercer and Wade-Brown joined those voting for the switch from business to the residents rates bill and they won by 9 votes
Voting for were - Ahipene Mercer, Armstrong,Foster, Morrison , McKinnon, Prendergast, Shaw, Wade-Brown, Wain.
Absent were Ritchie on sick leave and Goulden on ?
Cheers
Brayn Pepperell
All,
Well said, Bryan!
As I told others in a separate email, it is a great pity that those who voted 'for' the change do not listen to, and represent more, the wishes of the voters who put them there.
I firmly believe that councillors who voted 'for' the change will alter their stance as the next WCC elections approach, - only 18 months away!
It is up to the voters, the Progressive Assns, and all those who care about keeping Wellington affordable to all sections of our community, to increase and maintain pressure on the recalcitrant cllrs.
The few of us can only do so much, - it is the public who must exert the power of persuasion.
Cheers,
Jack.
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