The amendments have been introduced to the House
Local government minister Simon Watts announced that Local Government Act reforms intended to bolster local democracy and accountability as well as support council-controlled water organisation borrowing have been introduced to the House today 15 September.
The Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill also includes changes to facilitate a smooth transition to the new system for council codes of conduct and standing orders. Watts said the change “will give councils increased ability to invest in critical infrastructure and pay it off over the long-term to match the life of the assets”.
Moreover, non-elected members of council committees will not be granted voting rights.
“As already announced, the bill will also be amended to strengthen local democracy and accountability by clarifying that non-elected members of council committees will not have voting rights, subject to specified exceptions. It has been confirmed that the change also applies to members of Houkura, the Auckland Council’s Independent Māori Statutory Board”, Watts said in a media release.
He confirmed that the board would maintain its functions and remain an advisory body to the council.
“This change is being made to ensure fairness and consistency across government policy. There will be a six-month transition period,” Watts said.
The Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill will grant targeted powers to council to recover infrastructure expenses resulting from fast-track developments, reducing costs shouldered squarely by ratepayers. Moreover, the bill will boost councillor access to council information to facilitate informed decision-making and community representation.
This also improves councils’ flexibility in requests management.
“Councillors need timely access to information to do their jobs effectively. This amendment will improve transparency as well as give councils the ability to set their own process for providing it,” Watts said.
The amendments bill is intended to support councils’ focus on core services and enhancing systems, he explained.
“This government is committed to fixing the basics and building the future by making practical changes that strengthen local government, improve accountability and keep councils focused on delivering their communities”, Watts said.
Earlier this month, the Rates Capping Bill passed its first reading in parliament. The bill mandates councils to keep annual rates increases in the 2-4% range.
