Rates rise of 3.5% on table

After several weeks of considering public submissions on its plans the council's budget sub-committee is recommending a final increase close to the 3.6% first mooted in March.

A full council meeting will make the final decision next Wednesday.

The increase will amount to less than $1 extra a week for most households.

Budget sub-committee chairman Alister James said ratepayers could expect similar increases over the next several years.

The committee had decided not to support the launch of a controversial $10 million household kitchen waste recycling scheme at this stage. "There will be a great debate about this at the council I am sure," James said.

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