In information provided by Local Government New Zealand, the Council has been informed that from next year’s budget the rates rebate income level will increase from $7,400 a year to $20,000.

The City Council, along with Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), has made several submissions to the government seeking to have the limit raised, the last time during the previous term of Council.

At present people whose income is less than $7,400 can qualify for up to $200 off their rates.

Strategy Manager - Finance, Steve Paterson, says the low income level is “totally inadequate and we have argued to increase it to an appropriate level.”