Fairness wins on lower UAGC

Auckland Council has agreed on a Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) of $350 as the most fair and equitable figure for all Aucklanders.

“This is a great result as it is the fairest of all options before us and provides the most even mid-point for all the community,” says Len Brown.

The decision comes as the Strategic and Finance Committee meets today to consider Auckland Council’s 10-year budget.

“The amalgamation presents some households with large rates increases and the facts speak for themselves - the higher the UAGC, the greater the number of Auckland households facing more than a 10 per cent rates increase.

“This is an issue that councillors, local boards and council staff have been discussing for months.  Eleventh hour changes to policy is counterproductive to Auckland being an inclusive and equitable city.”

Auckland Council has also agreed to businesses paying the same proportion of rates as they have previously. They have also agreed to an annual reduction by a factor of 0.1 from the starting rate of 2.63. Under the agreement special dispensation has been set for Franklin businesses who were worst affected by the amalgamation changes.

“We remain completely focused on fairness across the entire rating base,” says the Mayor.