Zero rates plan scrapped as Christchurch council struggles to contain coronavirus fallout
Residents in Christchurch face a rates increase of between 3.5 and 5.5 per cent next year to plug a $90 million hole in the city council’s purse left largely by the coronavirus pandemic.
Hopes for a much-vaunted lowering of the increase to zero have been dashed, with staff warning the policy would cause “unprecedented” redundancies, jeopardise projects and flout direct advice from the Government.
The authority also faces borrowing more than $100m over the next two years to pay for its coronavirus response and make up for an expected $61.8m in lost dividends from the trading companies it owns.
Read more here.
Create a Stunning Stain Feature Wall with Resene Colorwood
Transform your living room into a work of art with Resene Colorwood wood stains. Find out how to create your own stain feature wall with these easy step by step instructions.
Poll: Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?
The Press reports that Canterbury is right in the middle of a construction boom, with activity forecast to peak around 2027 and major investment flowing into transport, water and energy infrastructure.
We want to know: Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?
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40% Yes
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60% No
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