During an at times passionate submission on the Dunedin City Council's 10-year plan, Grey Power Otago president Jo Millar told councillors yesterday there was very little in the plan for the city's elderly residents.
In fact, the proposed rates increases, 7.3% in the first year and an average of 4.5% during the following nine years, would lead to some elderly residents moving out of the city, Mrs Millar said.
''I've never had so many members coming in to me so concerned. They can't believe what you lot are trying to do.''
None of the large projects the council was proposing to build with the increased rates would benefit seniors, she said.
The financial burden for people over 65 was being eased by central Government with cheaper hospital visits and other policies, but the council would take that all away through rates rises, she said.
She also warned those councillors seeking re-election next year their votes on the final plan would be recorded and given to Grey Power members.
Cr Christine Garey asked if she and Grey Power members were aware of the council's requirement to make a plan which was then opened up for consultation.
Mrs Millar said she was aware of the process as she had taken part in previous consultations but the concerns of elderly residents had come to nothing.
She also had a dig at the Otago Regional Council saying its consultation process was like ''hitting your head against a concrete wall''.
Mayor Dave Cull asked which city Grey Power thought better served its elderly residents.
Napier had an excellent reputation among elderly people and the Napier City Council had ''embraced'' policies which helped make the city accessible for senior residents, Mrs Millar said.
Mr Cull reminded her Dunedin had the lowest rates of any city in the country.
Related Stories
Comments
I'm enjoying this. I'm sitting back - put your feet up and eat popcorn because the people of Dunedin have had enough and are starting to fight back by questioning you Cull. About time they have had enough of the Councils, Greens, some councilors. This is going to be enjoyable. Your lack of accountability, attitude towards the people of Dunedin is coming to a end.
You're lucky to have somewhere up which to put your feet. {We live in hole in t' road}. The issue is Rates and the Elderly, Council housing rents and the elderly. Keep 'ideology' out of it.
You are very lucky the hole in the road has internet.
DCC have a drive to build some "iconic" infrastructure, whether the people want it or not. And irrespective if people can afford it or not.
Mr Cull is bordering on arrogance in his remarks if reported correctly. It is easy to sit around planning compound rate hikes totaling about 65% when you are on an ever increasing councilor pay rate and claiming for all sorts of expenses. It is a whole lot harder when on a fixed income with steadily rising housing, utilities and food costs. A bit of empathy would be better than telling people how well off they are.
I part own a house rates are getting higher ....Very soon I walk and council will sell to get rates...unpaid.but at least my problem will be over ....