Striking the right balance: Hutt City Council’s draft Annual Plan consultation opens today

“This year’s draft Annual Plan is all about striking the right balance,” said Mayor Campbell Barry.

“It’s really important that we continue to make progress on getting the basics right, like critical investment in our infrastructure and our community, while at the same time factoring in affordability for our community.

“We know high inflation and cost of living is affecting everyone – households, businesses, and organisations right across our community.  That’s why we have focused on cutting our own cloth first, to offset what would otherwise be highly unaffordable rates increases.

“That has meant we are proposing to defer a number of non-urgent projects and work programmes, and reduced budgets where possible.

“However, even after doing this – we need to be transparent about the fact high inflation and other economic pressures are increasing the cost of council projects. This reflects the need to both borrow more to fund these projects, and increase rates to be able to afford this,” said Campbell Barry.

Included in this consultation are Hutt City Council’s proposed rates revenue increase for 2023-24 of 9.9% (after growth), up from the planned rate rise of 5.9% for this year. This means an average increase of $5.02 per week per household, or $261 per year.

Investment in water infrastructure makes up about half ($126) of the average $261 rise. The remaining $135 covers cost increases for other Council services, from roads and footpaths to parks and community facilities, to rubbish and recycling.

“It’s important that everyone has their say on our proposed plan for the year ahead,” said Campbell Barry.

“Whether you want to share your thoughts on just one small part of the plan or on everything, we welcome your views. Public feedback is an important part of the decision-making process for Councillors, and we really value hearing from everyone.”

The consultation can be viewed online at hutt.city/annualplan2023, and hard copies of the consultation will be available in our neighbourhood hubs and the main Council building on Laings Road from Monday 3 April.