Latest news with #centralGovernment
NZ Herald
7 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Mayor Mahé Drysdale's call for council review backed by LGNZ
It comes after Drysdale called for 'tough' amalgamation conversations between Bay of Plenty councils. He said the remit passing showed everyone was aware that change was happening in local government. '[We] want to be proactive around designing the system that will work for our people and work for us as local government.' The remit called for a review of current functions and governance arrangements of councils. Councils weren't as efficient and effective as they could be, he said. The sector needed to look at what services should be delivered nationally, regionally, and locally, then design a system that would best deliver those services, Drysdale said. Having a national IT system for all councils and regional roading networks were some ideas the sector could discuss, he said. Mahé Drysdale said councils could have a national IT system for service like rates. Photo / 123rf When talking about efficiency, people 'jump to amalgamation', Drysdale said, but it was only one of the solutions. 'It may not be the solution that comes out of it. We've got to keep a really open mind.' He said he was not trying to 'ram through amalgamation'. 'The intent of this is getting all the local authorities with LGNZ and central government working together to design a system that works for the country.' New Zealand has 78 councils: 11 regional, 11 city, 50 district, and six unitary authorities (regional and city/district combined). Changes to how councils managed water through Local Water Done Well and Resource Management Act (RMA) reform meant the functions of councils was changing, so councils needed to change their form, Drysdale said. LGNZ was in the 'perfect position' to co-ordinate the remit, but buy-in was needed from central Government and the other councils, he said. Plenty of reviews had been done, but action was needed, Drysdale said. 'Let's make sure we've done this thoroughly and we know what the best system is, but then we've actually got to implement it.' Local Government Minister Simon Watts. Photo / Alex Burton Local Government Minister Simon Watts said opportunities for efficiency included working alongside the sector. The new legislation that would replace the RMA included provisions about the roles, responsibilities, and processes of local government, he said. This included proposals that differed from the status quo, Watts said. 'I am keen to look at how the reorganisation process for local government can be made simpler and expect to receive advice on this.' Local Government New Zealand chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene. Photo / Mark Tantrum LGNZ chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene said local government needed to be proactive and lead the changes required. 'The current sector arrangements are a legacy, and do not always reflect how communities have expanded and how modern services are delivered. 'With key Government legislation changes now under way, it'll require an agile and well-planned response by the sector,' she said in a statement. 'It's also important we retain local decision-making in the work we do and the decisions we make, particularly when it comes to the delivery of infrastructure and services for the community.' The LGNZ national council would consider next steps on the remit in the coming months. After the October election, the organisation would engage with councils in a member-driven process, an LGNZ spokesperson said. Outgoing Bay of Plenty Regional Council chairman Doug Leeder said councils needed to be prepared to question their structure and functions. 'The structure of local government hasn't meaningfully changed since 1989. In that time, our communities, demographics, and challenges have changed dramatically,' he said in a statement. 'We need to be brave enough to question how we deliver services and what functions sit best at which level - national, regional, or local.' The remit had the support of metro councils before it was presented to LGNZ. The metro councils would provide support and resources to work on the programme established, the remit said. - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
NZ Herald
10-07-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
The case for abolishing regional councils in NZ
Inspired by the Swiss system pushed by New Zealand Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says his vision for local government is about greater devolution to local communities. But, as Bishop and his Undersecretary Simon Court have recognised, that is not where the logic of his Government's policy programme leads. The whole direction of its resource-management reforms is about streamlining and often centralising decision-making. Bishop regularly cites New Zealand councils having established more than a thousand different types of zones, each with their own technical rules that everyone in the infrastructure and commercial and residential property sectors has to discover, understand and comply with. He argues this makes a lot of work for resource management lawyers but adds to the cost and complexity of getting any individual project built. Japan, Bishop points out, with a similar size and geography as New Zealand but a population 25 times bigger, has just 13 zones that its local authorities can choose from – six for residential, three for commercial, three for industrial and one for central business districts. In Bishop and Court's telling, having, say, 20 different types of zones in New Zealand would provide ample choice for local councils to reflect local characters across their territories, ensure the construction industry could more easily and cheaply comply with the rules, and force resource management lawyers to find more productive areas of the law to focus on. What role would then be left for regional councils that either the central Government or city and district councils couldn't do, at least no worse than the status quo? The Government's critics argue that getting rid of them would weaken local democracy, but regional councillors usually find themselves unable to genuinely reflect local views anyway, for fear of judicial review. So constrained are they by their council officers that a regional council chairperson is even less a genuine community leader than a city or district mayor. Their roading, civil defence and emergency management functions could easily be split between central Government, for big projects and disasters, and city and district councils, for smaller ones. As the interest in city deals has demonstrated – not least the two-year quest by my friend and client Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown for a single agreed transport plan between central Government and Auckland Council – the major projects that local people most care about can often only be done as a partnership between the two. Why keep up the charade that the entity with the bigger budget doesn't call the shots anyway? Major projects like Auckland's City Rail Link can obviously only go ahead when central Government agrees, but that is often true even of things like two-lane bridges in places like Northland, as so crudely revealed in byelections. Abolishing regional councils and devolving some of their functions into city and district councils raises the question of whether the smaller ones could cope. That in turn raises fears of mergers that, in some cases, risk sounding more like city and district councils being taken over by the unpopular regional ones. Aucklanders' anger at their big so-called Super City, which combined smaller city and district councils with the old Auckland Regional Council, might recommend Bishop and Court tread carefully. But that anger is mainly driven by fury at the so-called Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs), deliberately set up by then Local Government Minister Rodney Hide to be independent of the democratic process, the way central Government's State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are meant to be. The problem is that CCOs and SOEs only make sense when the plan is to turn old, inefficient government departments into something that can make a profit and then be sold. Democratic oversight is removed to allow the new CCO or SOE to focus on profit, a new commercial discipline that also helps set their price. But when there is no intention ever to sell a CCO or SOE, we end up with the worst of both worlds: entities that are neither democratically nor commercially accountable. Better to sell the ones with no public purpose, and bring the functions of the rest under democratic control, as Brown has finally achieved, at least to some extent, with Auckland Transport. If that reform succeeds, it will be even more difficult to find an Aucklander urging a return to the old system. How bad would it really be if, say, the Far North, Whangārei and Kaipara councils were merged and also took over any remaining responsibilities of the unloved Northland Regional Council? Would anyone notice, other than the bureaucrats and politicians involved? Yet abolishing regional councils does not necessarily demand mergers of city and district councils. Depending on how much of their existing functions were centralised, including roading, emergency management and monitoring water and land quality, a case could be made for splitting some of them up, as Hartwich and Luxon might prefer. If Bishop and Court's vision of a small number of zone-types comes true, then even the smallest district council would be able to decide how to paint their local zoning map. In Auckland, the 21 community boards were meant to ensure local communities still had a voice when the Super City was set up. They have failed largely because they have so few responsibilities and powers that they struggle to attract credible candidates. But if community boards were empowered to decide how their local areas would be zoned from Bishop and Court's streamlined menu, then perhaps they would start to matter. That could encourage voters and potential candidates to take them more seriously. In some areas at least, Hartwich and Luxon's vision of localism might end up sitting happily alongside Bishop and Court's vision of a streamlined, workable and efficient resource-consenting system.
Japan Times
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Japan aims to complete Yonaguni evacuation shelter in 2028
The central government has said that the construction of an evacuation shelter on the country's westernmost island of Yonaguni, in Okinawa Prefecture, will start next fiscal year, with the completion expected around spring 2028. The schedule was included in a progress report released Friday that details the construction of such shelters in five municipalities covering Okinawa's Sakishima Islands, including Yonaguni. Japan started the project bearing in mind a possible emergency over Taiwan in the Nansei southwestern island region, which includes the Sakishima chain and stretches from Kagoshima Prefecture to Okinawa. Underground shelters will be built in the five municipalities to accommodate local residents for about two weeks in the event of an invasion or a missile attack. The town of Yonaguni will build a shelter on the underground level of a new town office complex that will be capable of holding about 200 people. The city of Miyakojima plans to start the construction of its shelter this winter, while the city of Ishigaki aims to begin such work as early as fiscal 2026. Each facility will have a capacity of about 500 people. The town of Taketomi and the village of Tarama hope to draw up detailed designs for their shelters as early as next fiscal year.
Daily Mirror
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Thousands of households to get £195 of free supermarket vouchers
Wakefield Council has decided to offer supermarket vouchers to households who are in receipt of Council Tax Support - see the exact eligibility criteria below Low income households living in Wakefield will receive up to £195 in supermarket vouchers this year. Wakefield Council has confirmed the eligibility criteria for the latest round of the Household Support Fund scheme. The Household Support Fund is funded by the central Government but the cash is given to local councils, who then distribute it to residents who are in need. The type of support offered is typically one-off payments, vouchers and help with bills. Wakefield Council has decided to offer supermarket vouchers to households who are in receipt of Council Tax Support. If you live in a household with someone of pension age, but you won't receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year, then you will get £195 worth of vouchers. These will be split into two instalments, starting with a £70 voucher in June, then a £125 voucher in November. If you're in a pensioner household and you will get the Winter Fuel Payment this year, you will get £140 of vouchers. You will get £70 in June, then £70 again in November. If you're a family who is claiming Council Tax Support, you should have received a £40 voucher earlier this month. The council will then pay a £50 voucher in July, and another £50 in December. All other households in receipt of Council Tax Support will get a £70 voucher in July, then another £70 in December. Here is how the support breaks down: Families in receipt of Council Tax Support - £40 (April 8 2025) Families in receipt of Council Tax Support - £50 (July 21, 2025) Families in receipt of Council Tax Support - £50 (December 15, 2025) Pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Support who still receive the Winter Fuel Payment - £70 (June 30 to July 7, 2025) Pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Support who still receive the Winter Fuel Payment - £70 (November 11 to November 13, 2025) Pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Support who no longer receive the Winter Fuel Payment - £70 (June 30 to July 7, 2025 Pensioners in receipt of Council Tax Support who no longer receive the Winter Fuel Payment - £125 (November 4 to November 6, 2025) All other households in receipt of Council Tax Support - £70 (July 9 to July 18, 2025 All other households in receipt of Council Tax Support £70 (December 3 to December 12, 2025) The Household Support Fund has been extended until March 31, 2026. If you're not a resident of Wakefield, it is worth contacting your local council to find out what help is available. For example, Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council is handing out £150 cost of living payments to residents who are over 18 and facing financial hardship. The council is encouraging people to contact Citizens Advice East Berkshire if you think you may be eligible by calling 0808 278 7914. You can also attend their drop-in service on Marlow Road, Maidenhead between 10am and midday on Mondays and Wednesdays. Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Council is also providing food vouchers to families who are eligible for free school meals. These will be issued automatically. Councillor Catherine del Campo, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing Services said: 'The Household Support Fund offers a lifeline for residents facing financial difficulties, including a one-off payment that can be used flexibly to have the greatest impact in their unique situation. 'The fund is just one of the ways that residents can access practical and financial help and advice across the borough, including one-to-one support to manage debt and identify additional sources of income, help to pay council tax and free skills training. 'I encourage anyone who is struggling financially to please reach out early so that we can connect you with local support.'
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Which London boroughs could go bust and what does it mean for council tax bills?
A growing number of councils are warning that the skyrocketing cost of providing services is pushing them to the brink of bankruptcy. Eight English town halls have gone bust since 2018, including Croydon, Woking, Nottingham, Birmingham and Thurrock, and many more are now teetering on the edge. Local authorities face 'unsustainable' pressure sparked increasingly by record numbers of families living in temporary accommodation, according a Public Accounts Committee report published on Friday. The committee found councils across England are at 'breaking point' as they 'haemorrhage funds'. Its Conservative chair Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said there 'seems to be no desire to move away from an unsatisfactory short-term system'. London Councils warned that skyrocketing homelessness in the capital is 'pushing boroughs to the brink', with unsustainable pressure hitting budgets. Four boroughs - Havering, Croydon, Newham and Lambeth, have so far this year revealed requests for emergency Government support in a bid to balance the books. This will have an impact on council tax bills, set to rise in April. Local authorities can usually only raise council tax by up to 5% without triggering a referendum. However, one town hall is seeking special government permission to increase council tax by a massive 10% in a bid to avoid going bust, while others are expected to follow. Havering, which is predicting a budget gap of around £74million, has put in an application for central Government loans to cover its rising debts. For residents the financial crisis means homeless families being placed in former office blocks to save cash and, next week, councillors are set to sign off plans to close three libraries in a bid to save £288,000. In a cost-cutting budget last year, the town hall agreed to dim street lighting on main roads and strip back Christmas decorations. Havering was saved from issuing a section 114 notice, effectively declaring bankruptcy, in 2024 by a £54million last-minute loan from central Government. This year it faces the same predicament, mainly down to the soaring cost of social care. The borough has the second oldest population in London, alongside one of the fastest growing populations of young people in England, placing huge demand on both adult and children's services. The council said the care for a single dementia patient can cost the town hall more than £210,000 a year, while a looked-after child can result in fees of about £8,000-a-week. Leader Roy Morgon said that in 2010 his town hall received £70million of Revenue Support Grant from central Government. Today it is just under £2million. But he has pledged not to increase council tax beyond 5% in 2025. 'Why should the taxpayer have to bear the burden of central cuts?,' Mr Morgon told the Standard. 'We will continue to argue and make the case for fairer funding.' The east London town hall has applied for 'exceptional financial support', which will allow it to hike council tax by 10% - twice the maximum amount allowed elsewhere in the country. It will mean bills for the average Band D home rise to around £1,868-a-year, up from £1,724. This is including City Hall's portion of the tax, which Mayor Sadiq Khan is increasing 4% to £490.38 from April. Newham also wants permission to sell off assets to fund day-to-day spending as it struggles under the huge weight of its homelessness bill. One in 20 households in the borough is in temporary housing – 22 times the national average. Leaders say the £157million budget gap is almost exclusively down to the spiralling cost of providing temporary accommodation. Councillors have already signed off penny-pinching plans. In a bid to cover costs it has cancelled Christmas and Eid lights, removed free tea and coffee for staff in its offices and banned internal catering, such as biscuits, for meetings in a desperate bid to save cash. Fees and charges, excluding parking and commercial rents, are expected to increase by 20% for residents and a Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which sees the poorest people face lower payments, is being scaled back. Newham faces selling off its buildings, including its Dockside offices opposite London City Airport and the Debden House conference centre in Essex. Lambeth has said it faces making 'impossible choices' in a bid to balance the books. Last year it received up to £50million in exceptional financial support from the Government. This was to help fund the Lambeth Children's Homes Redress Scheme, which has provided compensation to thousands of survivors of historical child sexual abuse in council-run homes since it was established in 2018. This year, leaders have argued Lambeth needs extra emergency funding to tackle rising costs. The town hall estimates it will have to 'urgently' make £69million of budget cuts. Leaders have not yet confirmed whether the plan will include increasing council tax beyond 5%. But it is in a similar situation to Newham with regard to temporary accommodation bills and a rising number of homeless families. Lambeth also estimates that it will be £1billion short of the money needed to cover its social housing over the next 30-years. Council leader Claire Holland said: 'We need to be open with residents that we still face significant budget gaps caused by 14 years of government funding cuts, unprecedented demand for emergency housing for homeless families and rising demand for adult and children's social care.' Croydon has collapsed into bankruptcy three times since 2020 and continues to struggle with £1.4billion of 'toxic' historic debt. Measures taken since the town hall first went bust, including selling off buildings, have still not been enough to put it on a sustainable financial footing in the face of rising demand for services. In previous years, it has been handed £38million in capitalisation directions from Government to address the debt burden. But this year that is unlikely to be sufficient to cover the budget gap and £22million of cuts need to be made. However executive mayor Jason Perry has pledged that council tax bills, which were increased a record 15% in 2023/24, will not rise above the 5% cap in 2025. While many boroughs are able to use reserves and bump up costs, such as raising parking fees and rents, to help balance the books, almost every council in the capital is facing some kind of struggle. It means all Londoners are likely to see at least around a 5% increase in council tax bills in April. London Councils estimates boroughs now spend £4million every day on temporary accommodation. Grace Williams, leader of Waltham Forest and London Councils' Executive Member for Housing, said: 'London is the epicentre of the national homelessness crisis. 'The number of Londoners in temporary accommodation is going through the roof. 'The impact on individuals – especially families with children – is devastating. The pressures on local services are also pushing boroughs to the brink. 'Temporary accommodation is the fastest-rising threat to London boroughs' finances as the costs we face are simply unsustainable. 'Boroughs support the committee's call for urgent policy action to reduce homelessness. We are keen to work with the government on a national strategy that addresses the unfolding emergency in the capital.'
