Local Government Amendment Bill Seeks to Remove Council Wellbeing Provisions
Local Government Amendment Bill Seeks to Remove Council Wellbeing Provisions
Local government Minister Simon Watts has introduced a bill aimed at removing four wellbeing provisions from the Local Government Act. The proposed legislation, known as the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill, is designed to refocus councils on their core responsibilities, such as roading, infrastructure, water, and waste management.
Watts emphasized that the bill aims to restore discipline and transparency within local government, ensuring that councils deliver value for money to ratepayers. "Kiwis are frustrated with rising rates, expanding bureaucracy, and poor value for money. This bill puts councils back to work on the basics, their core services, so ratepayers see real results for what they pay," he stated.
The four wellbeing provisions—social, economic, environmental, and cultural—were reintroduced by the Labour government in 2019 after being removed by the previous National government in 2012. The new bill will remove these provisions and require councils to prioritize core services when managing finances and setting rates.
Other key elements of the bill include:
- New financial performance measures for councils, with a requirement for regular public reporting.
- Mandatory disclosure of contractor and consultant spending.
- Stronger transparency and accountability requirements.
- Regulatory relief to reduce unnecessary compliance burdens.
Watts described the bill as a major milestone in local government reform, stating, "Local government has drifted from their core responsibilities. This bill draws a line in the sand—focus on the essentials and deliver value for your community." He added that the refocusing of councils would help address the growing concern of the cost of living.
However, the bill has already sparked debate, with critics arguing that the removal of wellbeing provisions could negatively impact Māori, Pasifika, and vulnerable communities. Some council members have voiced concerns that the focus on core services may overshadow the broader social and environmental needs of these groups.
As the bill moves forward, it will likely face scrutiny from both the public and opposition parties. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between fiscal responsibility and the need for inclusive, community-centered governance.
