Belong Aotearoa is urging diverse voices to be informed and have their say on the Auckland Council Emergency Budget, amidst growing concerns that a lesser rate rise of 2.5% will greatly impact vulnerable communities through cuts to community services at a time of particular need.
According to Belong Aotearoa’s Chief Executive Officer, Rochana Sheward, the organisation strongly supports a 3.5% rate rise.
“A 3.5% rate rise will enable council to better manage the financial challenges arising from COVID-19, plus lessen the cuts to services and programmes that support vulnerable communities, however, that’s not the end of the story,” Ms Sheward said.
“We’re calling on council to further engage vulnerable communities and the community sector to identify additional solutions and approaches to help Auckland recover and increase the wellbeing of those in most need,” she said.
“The Emergency Budget consultation process has been very rushed and we need more time, following the June 19 deadline, to collectively look at how to balance austerity measures with continually placing wellbeing at the centre of our society,” Ms Sheward said.
“We’re keen to help uncover and explore community-led opportunities and solutions in our recovery from COVID-19, such as participatory audits, place-making and handing over low-use council owned buildings to the community & community sector,” she said.
Belong Aotearoa Chair, Rahul Watson-Govindan, said: “Due to COVID-19, a 3.5% rate rise means reduced support to vulnerable groups and communities already. However, a lesser 2.5% rate rise would see permanent closure of some community facilities, possibly higher costs for public transport, further reductions in grants and local programmes which communities and community groups rely on, cuts to climate change initiatives and more jobs losses.”
“We also support the Rates Postponement Scheme for ratepayers, households and businesses that are most affected by COVID-19,” he said.
To support migrant and refugee background communities and the organisations that work alongside them to understand the impacts and make their voices heard, Belong Aotearoa has developed an Information Sheet outlining some of the key points to consider.
People have until midnight on June 19 to have their say on four questions (all questions are optional):
General rates increase for 2020/2021 – which increase do you support, 3.5% or 2.5%?
Rates postponement for ratepayers impacted by COVID-19 – do you support the proposal?
Suspending the targeted rate paid by accommodation providers – do you support the proposal?
Other feedback – what is important to you?
Belong Aotearoa is providing additional feedback on the Emergency Budget via a short submission. If you would like to see that submission to help inform your own and/or add your organisation’s support to our submission, please email communications@belong.org.nz