10 June 2022
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Potential targeted rate for emergency housing providers
Enquiry
Kia ora,
I'm writing a story on the possibility of the introduction of a targeted rate on emergency housing providers - what Thomas said in the meeting here:
"What we are seeing is an escalation of costs being driven into our organisation as a response to [emergency housing] challenges. At the moment they are falling on the general rate. What we are looking at – and this is something for the new council to consider at the next annual plan – is actually the investigation of a targeted rate against the emergency housing providers, whereby the costs that are resulting from their activities are actually sheeted home to them. As they are the exacerbators of that, the targeted rate recovers the cost of those services in response to them.
It’s not something that we can do now because it is a Long-term Plan amendment and it is an amendment to our funding and revenue policies. What we are doing at the moment is just having discussions with our solicitors about how to structure that targeted rate.
As I said this will be something for the new council, following the elections, to consider as to whether they wish to do this and consult on it in the new year. At this stage it’s not something we’ve previously been able to talk or implement this time because it does require an amendment to our Long-term Plan. "
I have some questions to clarify some of the points Thomas made:
1. Can you please explain what is meant by 'escalation of costs'? What kind of financial impact (in dollar terms) has emergency housing had on the council? What are these costs from, specifically? (CCTV? Patrols? Legal costs? Etc)
2. Can you please clarify why the council was not able to implement this idea this year? - When did costs start 'escalating'?
3. How much might the targeted rate be and how much does the council hope to recover through it per annum?
4. Re talking to solicitors about the targeted rate - how much has that cost to date? and when did the council begin those discussions?
For the mayor:
1. Do you support the idea of a targeted rate on emergency housing providers? Do you think the council could have implemented it this year?
I also have some comments for the right of reply for the council / mayor if either desire to respond - below.
I am after a response by 3.30pm today please. Prioritise this story over my other query re the LGOIMA on reserves' RFSs.
Subsequent from reporter:
Just got these comments in from Todd also, I invite response from the council or mayor if either wish:
Rotorua MP Todd McClay said a targeted rate would have the effect of further institutionalising emergency housing in Rotorua and "make it permanent".
"You don't a rate for something that's going to be fixed in six or seven months.
"[The council] should be having this conversation with the Government."
He said if there were additional costs associated with the use of emergency accommodation the Government should bear the cost, not ratepayers.
"It is the Government that has created the problem.
"It's about getting people out of motels so that the harm that's being done to our reputation and to many of the people in the motels is dealt with.
"Motels are not the places for people to live and we need a greater solution than 'let's tax some more'."
ENDS
Response
From DCE Organisational Enablement Thomas Collé:
Additional costs include community safety and legal costs but we’re at very preliminary stages at this point and no detailed work has been undertaken as yet. That would be done and shared with the community at the appropriate time if this were something the incoming Council wished to consider.
A new targeted rate would require a Long-term Plan amendment that would trigger a formal consultation process and there is not enough time to do all the work required between now and the 2022/23 financial year, which starts 1 July. It could be done for the following financial year if the new Council wished to consider it.
Re discussion with solicitors: No legal costs have yet been incurred following a preliminary discussion had recently.
Felix re Mr Todd’s comment “He said if there were additional costs associated with the use of emergency accommodation the Government should bear the cost, not ratepayers” : The targeted rate would not apply to all ratepayers, only those undertaking the activity that is incurring the cost.
Mayor Chadwick provided the following comment:
We’ve always been adamant that using motels for emergency accommodation must not be long term but the reality is we need more homes before we’ll be rid of the current interim system. A targeted rate may be worthwhile but it will something for the next Council to consider.
No it couldn’t have been implemented this year. It’ not something we’ve discussed previously and as we heard, there’s not enough time now to do what needs to be done for an LTP amendment in time for the next financial year.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Lakeview clubrooms consent
Enquiry
May I please have a comment from mayor Steve Chadwick about the consent for the clubrooms at Lakeview Golf Club? The clubrooms were destroyed by fire a few years ago.
Response
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
It’s great to see this is progressing.
I was impressed with the plans for the new clubhouse when I attended the site blessing last October and was especially impressed with the vision to create a whanau-based community hub.
As I said then, that really speaks to Council’s own objectives around creating thriving communities, ensuring people are connected and have facilities that enable that to happen.