Auckland Council has approved its proposed Long-term Plan 2024-2034 – including prioritised investment in transport and water, “fairer funding” for communities and an Auckland Future Fund.
The 10-year budget includes rates increases of 6.8% for 2024-25, 5.8% in 2025-26 and 7.9% in 2026-27. The central proposal for public consultation originally proposed increases of 7.5%, 3.5% and 8% respectively.
Auckland Council chief executive, Phil Wilson said the Long-term Plan carefully balanced the need for investment to cope with growth and continue to protect Auckland’s environment, build resilience and sustain valued services.
“This Long-term Plan is about Auckland and Aucklanders, and priority areas where we can provide the greatest benefit to our communities,” said Mr Wilson.
“We know transport and water, in particular, were areas people wanted us to do more. The council has responded to that through this budget.
“The plan also takes a fresh approach to tackle our financial challenges with more rigour and greater accountability than ever before. The organisation is behind this and ready to deliver on it for Auckland.”
Mr Wilson said proposals for targeted rates have been confirmed as part of the plan – these include reinstating the Natural Environment and Water Quality Targeted Rates.
The plan also provides local boards with new funding that goes a long way to addressing past inequities, he said.
The Long-term Plan, including the approved budget, will be formally adopted by the council’s Governing Body on June 27, in time for the new financial year on July 1.
