Media release

Auckland Councillors Chris Fletcher and Cameron Brewer Tuesday, 22 May 2012 Centre-right aims to reduce Auckland rates rise to 2.5% Auckland Council Citizens and Ratepayers Leader Christine Fletcher and independent councillor Cameron Brewer say a group of eight likeminded councillors will table an alternative 10-year draft budget at tomorrows Strategy and Finance committee. We want to get average rates increases down as much as possible, particularly when tens of thousands of Auckland households are set to get hit with double-digit rates increases. We also want to lift the Uniform Annual General Charge to $450 which will also help to soften the extreme increases. People have told us through the submission process that they want an affordable Auckland. Thats what were pushing for, says Mrs Fletcher. Weve focused on cutting or deferring some of the Mayors massive downtown and waterfront projects, while preserving community initiatives around the region and actually adding budget to the likes of maintaining our volcanic cones. Weve also sliced a fraction off Auckland Transports massive annual operating budget but requested that current service levels be upheld, says Mr Brewer. The meeting to debate the Long Term Plan starts at 10am in the Auckland Town Hall tomorrow. Attached: The centre-right councillors proposed amendments. Ends Chris Fletcher (027) 276-0013 Cameron Brewer (021) 828-016