Rate rise lower than predicted

At a special meeting on 6 July, Christchurch City Council agreed to an overall rate increase of 2.35 per cent. This was lower than the recommended increase of 2.48%.

Total rates required will be $128.74 million. Residential ratepayers will face an average increase of 2.48%; commercial-industrial ratepayers 2.40%, and rural residents a decrease of 4.60%.

There were 284 written submissions and 90 verbal submissions to the draft Annual Plan as well as 1484 replies to the questionnaire in the April Christchurch City Scene.

Priorities adopted with the budget for 2000-01 included $2 million for the Central City Board; an operating budget for the Mayor's Forum on the central city; a number of economic development initiatives and improvements to the bus system.

The budget absorbs inescapable increases in spending, such as a 40% increase in the price of bitumen.