Changes in property rates for 2018-2019 rating year

Summary of main changes in property rates

The general rates increased by an average of 2.5 per cent, and the Uniform Annual General Charge increased from $404 to $414.

We are also introducing some new targeted rates and discontinuing the Interim Transport Levy (previously charged as part of your rates).

10-year budget and Annual budget

As part of the 10-year budget process we consulted with the community about how property rates should be spent in your community.

After considering the community's feedback, we agreed to:

• pay for transport infrastructure by introducing a regional fuel tax of 10 cents per litre (plus GST)
• clean up Auckland's waterways and beaches with increased investment of $452 million in stormwater infrastructure by introducing a water quality targeted rate
• fund increased pest and disease control by introducing a natural environment targeted rate to raise $311 million
• apply business rates and the accommodation provider targeted rate to properties rented short-term via sites like Airbnb or Bookabach, depending on the number of nights booked and other factors
• establish a $120 million sports and recreation facilities investment fund
• establish a $40 million climate change response find and add $90 million capital expenditure funding for coastal asset management
• increase funding to our co-governance entities, and some of our many community organisations, at both a regional and local level
• remove legacy rates remission and postponement schemes (schemes carried over from previous councils) and to provide a transitional rates grant to existing recipients of these schemes for three years.

For a more detailed summary of the agreed annual budget outcomes, see the 10-year Budget 2018-2028.