The Auckland Council has announced this year's rates increase will be lower than expected.
Originally, the amalgamation of the various city and regional councils was going to see rates increased by 9.3 percent.
Mayor Len Brown set a maximum rates increase target almost half that at 4.9 percent, but today announced the increase would only be 3.7 percent.
“The Auckland Council is focused on reducing the impact of rates on families,” says Mr Brown. “The updated budget now has a base rates increase of 3.7 per cent, approximately one third of the previously projected increase.
The council told 3 News the change will save ratepayers $81 million.
“My focus has always been to achieve affordable rates increases close to the rate of inflation, at the same time as continuing to invest in our communities and achieve balance and growth,” says Mr Brown.
The council did not specify exactly where the cuts have been made, yet but it is understood they have not come out of services or operational spending.
“We have reduced the cost of business-as-usual, meaning resources can be freed up for other investments," says CEO Doug McKay.
3 News