KEY POINTS:
The local government rates inquiry panel is keen to hear people's ideas for easing the burden on households at its public forums in Hamilton and Auckland this week.
Billed by the Government as an independent inquiry, the panel has set aside time in provincial centres to hold separate forums for council members and residents, including groups from community boards to Grey Power and chambers of commerce.
Inquiry executive officer John Gilbert said yesterday discussions would be held with councils first and then the panel hoped for public feedback, particularly on ways councils could be funded apart from rates.
Practical new revenue sources for councils will be part of the inquiry's recommendations to the Government.
A background paper produced for the inquiry says councils get more than half their incomes from rates on property.
Alternatives for discussion include a local government equivalent of personal income tax, a local consumption tax like GST on goods and services, a citizen's or "poll tax" on every adult, a payroll tax levied on employers, and taxes that apply to specific industries, for example, a bed tax for funding tourism.
Mr Gilbert said the inquiry was keen to get out and hear what people thought in informal discussions but was also accepting submissions from councils and anyone until 4pm on April 30.
Criticism of the lack of public notice and time to prepare came yesterday from Auckland rates reform campaigner David Thornton.
He said he was pleased that the inquiry had decided on a second visit to Auckland so "the man in the street" had a better chance to make known his views with those of the bureaucrats.
The inquiry panel is former World Bank public financial management specialist David Shand, property and valuation expert Graeme Horsley and Massey University lecturer Christine Cheyne, a specialist in community welfare aspects of local government.
New Zealand First lobbied for the inquiry in August after Act leader Rodney Hide's private member's bill to cap rate rises.
Have Your Say
* Today: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Rapa, Hamilton. Public can attend as observers from 9.30 am to 12.30pm and have their say from 2pm to 4.30pm.
* Tomorrow: Mt Smart Stadium, Penrose.
