East braced for rates

The Auckland City Council last week announced plans to increase rates by 11 per cent.

After a leadership forum on the weekend, the Manukau City Council has said it will use a 5.3 per cent increase as the starting point when it considers rates later in the year.

But Cockle Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association secretary Maureen Forrester says an increase of 6 to 10 per cent could be on the cards in Manukau.

Mrs Forrester says a major increase would hit eastern suburbs residents hardest, as many already pay well above the average.

"Some people are paying $2500 to $3000 in rates. Imagine a 10 per cent increase on top of that. Any increase for those already paying above the average rate is unacceptable.

"There could be a rates revolt. They're already talking about it in Auckland City."

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