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Resolution
number FR/2022/187
MOVED by Deputy Chairperson A Cole, seconded by
Chairperson A Fulljames:
That
the Franklin Local Board:
a)
whakarite / provide
the following feedback on potential regional consultation topics and policies
for the Annual Budget 2023/2024
i)
concur with the
general principles that minimise financial impact on households (and
businesses recovering from COVID19 pressures) during a cost of living crisis,
that consider and prepare for the 10-year budget prioritisation, and focus on
activities that mean the most to our communities.
ii)
note that matters
that mean the most to our communities are not the same across Auckland, and it
is important that local boards are supported to make decisions at a local
level on these activities and provide localised insights in planning of
regional activities.
iii) request that in achieving organisational
efficiencies, that the Expenditure Control and Procurement Committee make it
clear to the organisational arm of Auckland Council, that efficiency should
not come at the expense of efficacy i.e. ‘one size fits all’
economies of scale approaches are not the answer to achieving savings, and
‘best fit’ approaches that reflect local preferences and
perspectives must be embraced.
Potential levers that can be used to balance the
operating budget:
i)
The board concurs
with the Mayor’s proposal that debt remain within the limits set by the
Long-term Plan (LTP)
ii)
support the
proposal to increase general rates at a rate that is aligned with projected
inflation
iii)
support the
proposal to find an additional $60 million in operational savings in Auckland
Council
iv)
support the
proposal that local boards contribute to this savings target, however stress
that mechanisms for local savings across the entire local board budget must
be at the direction of local boards. The board considers that this may take
some time, given staff will need to prepare advice for what options will mean
at the local level. The board suggests that there is a high risk of
unintended negative consequences on the community should this be rushed
v)
agree that there
are efficiencies of process to be found in the planning for open space. The
board believes that plans and policies should be rationalised and devolved so
that they are purposeful and accommodate both regional and local aspirations
vi)
support the
proposal to mitigate the effect of this general rates increase by reducing
the Natural Environment Targeted Rate (NETR) and Water Quality Targeted Rate
(WQTR), however the board is concerned that any reduction does not
substantially undermine progress of programmes delivered at the local level
through this funding
vii)
agree with the
continuation of service asset optimisation, reminding the governing body that
in-service asset sales and reinvestment of proceeds are at the discretion of local
boards. This is an opportunity for immediate savings but the board notes that
this opportunity remains poorly supported by the organisation in terms of
advice and process. This is a lost opportunity for savings.
viii)
agree that regional
grants programmes are an area for savings, and suggest that local boards are
in the best place to identify and assess funding opportunities at the local
level that deliver to regional strategies e.g. sports and recreation
strategies and waterway protection funding.
ix)
support leveraging
central government investment into social services and national activities
being delivered by council that should be delivered and facilitated by
central government, including the funding for COMET, citizenship ceremonies
and ANZAC ceremonies.
x)
support the
proposal for $25 million in savings from Auckland Transport, however request
that the Local Board Transport Capital Fund is not sacrificed as part of this
effort. Note that this funding is a very minor portion of Auckland
Transport’s budget and is effectively the only avenue for local
communities to progress transport projects of specific local importance outside
of the regional context.
xi)
support the
proposed $27.5 million in savings from Tātaki
Auckland Unlimited, noting that this organisation continues to resist requests
to deliver or facilitate direct value to Franklin communities and businesses.
xii)
support the
proposed $5 million in savings from Eke Panuku, however note that the Unlock
Pukekohe programme is critical to future-proofing Pukekohe through
significant green-fields development in nearby Drury and North Waikato, and
is therefore of critical strategic importance to south Auckland. The board
suggests a focus on new and evolving programmes and retiring mature
programmes.
xiii)
support the
proposal to achieve operational efficiencies through shared organisational
services, however note that sufficient flexibility must remain to enable
Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) to deliver the ‘arms
length’ service approaches envisaged by the Auckland governance model.
Auckland Council-based services can sometimes be overly prescriptive and risk
averse.
xiv)
suggest that there
is greater local input into the acquisition of open space, particularly in
the green-field development planning process on the basis that this has
potential for longer-term cost efficiencies. Auckland is acquiring and
scheduling for development too many pockets of open space in the absence of
local input, meaning that future open space is unlikely to be fit for purpose
and cost effective.
xv)
support the
proposal to amend the Auckland International Airport Limited shareholder
policy so that sale of airport shares to offset debt can be progressed
pending community consultation and feedback
xvi)
support the
intention to improve Ports of Auckland Limited financial contribution
Fees and charges
b)
decline the
opportunity to provide feedback on proposed changes to Fees and Charges in
Active Communities – bookable spaces, on the basis that none of the
proposed spaces are within the Franklin Local Board area. The board
acknowledges that Franklin Communities do use affected facilities in Manurewa
and Howick, and will take an interest in the perspectives of these
neighbouring board areas through the consultation.
c) support the
proposed changes in fees and charges as forecast as part of Year Two of the
fee review cycle i.e. animal management fees, some building and resource
consenting fees, food licensing registration, micro-mobility operator
fees, swimming pool inspection fees and cemetery fees (Stage Two).
d) support the continued roll-out
of changes to the Waste Management standardisation through targeted rates as
approved in 2022/2023, noting that this will mean that parts of the Franklin
Local Board area will start to have access to (and pay for) food scrap
recycling and other standardised services.
e) seek public consultation
on the trade-off between lower rates and local board budget cuts, verses
slightly higher rates and the retention of local board budget.
CARRIED
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