Source: Auckland Council
More than 27,000 Aucklanders have submitted their feedback on the Emergency Budget 2020/2021 eclipsing the 3500 pieces of feedback received for the Annual Budget earlier this year.
The Emergency Budget responds to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on Auckland Council’s finances. It estimates a huge drop in revenue in the coming financial year, with operating cash income across the council group projected to be around $525 million less than previously budgeted.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff encourages everyone to have their say on the Emergency Budget.
“COVID-19 has punched a $525 million hole in Auckland Council’s revenue that we need to urgently respond to—this is not a business-as-usual budget,” he says.
“The expected fall in revenue means the council needs to cut its spending across the board, with fewer staff, a reduction in services and deferral of some of our big construction projects.
“However, our focus is on maintaining the vital council services Aucklanders rely on and investing as much as we can in construction projects that will stimulate the economy and create jobs and assets for Auckland. We will also help those facing serious hardship because of COVID-19 by allowing them to defer their rates.”
Finance & Performance Committee Chair Councillor Desley Simpson continues:
“COVID-19 has impacted our finances heavily and as a result we face some difficult decisions. However, we are still committed to achieving a record level of savings this financial year and will continue to find efficiencies across our business. This budget is about delivering what is most important for the future of our community, our city and our economy with considerably less income.
“I believe we will get through this and we will find the balance, but we need your input.”
Find out more
A consultation period is open until midnight on 19 June 2020.
Consultation documents, including further information and feedback pages can be found at akhaveyoursay.nz/emergency-budget
You can also request a copy of consultations documents, feedback forms, or submit your feedback by emailing akhaveyoursay@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or by calling us on 09 301 0101.
Following consultation, all feedback will be considered, and the 2019/2020 Annual Budget will be formally adopted on 30 July 2020. Our decisions will be widely communicated, and a summary report will be available online.
