The following outlines the estimated impact of rates changes for 2015-16 on residential ratepayers. The final numbers, including for individual ratepayers, will be available from 15 July. These figures are an estimate only.
Of the approximately 454,000 residential properties in Auckland, the council estimates approximately two per cent, or around 9,000 residences, will receive an increase of more than $1000.
At the same time, approximately 22.5 per cent of Aucklanders will get a rates decrease, 68 per cent will get an increase under $500 and 7.5 per cent will get an increase of between $500 to $1000 (based on rates data as at 1 May 2015).
This is due to a number of factors:
Auckland completes its three-year move to a single rates system, making rates fairer because residential properties of a similar value will be charged a similar amount of general rates, no matter where they are in Auckland
the increase in general rates of 2.5 per cent which funds a basic transport programme as well as paying for the hundreds of essential day-to-day services the council provides, including rubbish and recycling collections, public transport improvements, roads and footpaths, libraries, park, sports field and beach maintenance, swimming and recreation facilities, and much more
the inclusion of the Interim Transport Levy, which will help to enable a number of critical transport projects across the region, helping to keep Auckland moving.
and other changes which are specific to properties which could be affected by factors such as:
the property’s value, based on the 2014 revaluation
the end of the transition to the single rates system, which means rates increases and decreases are no longer capped.
Auckland Council offers a number of options for Auckland’s residential ratepayers who may be facing higher rates bills, particularly as a result of recent revaluations.
Ratepayers can spread payments over the year by weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments via direct debit.
Central government has a rates rebate available up to $610, for those people whose rates are high in relation to their income, and with only a third of all eligible Aucklanders applying for this so far, we strongly encourage people to contact council to find out more.
But for people who may not qualify, we also offer a rates postponement scheme for residents who live in their own home. This enables all or a portion of rates to be deferred until the ratepayer no longer lives there.
We also provide extra assistance for elderly who qualify as residents of license to occupy retirement villages. We encourage ratepayers to contact Council to find out more about the assistance available.