Annual Plan 2013/14
The 2013/2014 Annual Plan was adopted on 27 June 2013 and is now operational.
It is Year Two of the Council’s Long Term Plan 2012-22, and will be in effect until 30 June 2014
For 2013/14 the average rates and charges have risen by 2% after the draft plan predicted a rise of 2.4%
Council’s debt levels have also reduced from the draft Annual Plan. At the end of 2012/13 the predicted debt level was $84m but this will reduce to $73m. In the 2013/14 year the proposed debt level of $112m will reduce to around $102m.
If you want to check your rates for the 2013/14 year, you can visit the online rates database.
You can also download the 2013/14 Annual Plan for full details of all projects and activities to be undertaken during the 2013/14 financial year.
Quicklinks
Why do we need an annual plan?
The Government requires every Council to prepare a Long Term Plan (Ten Year Plan). Nelson’s Long Term Plan (LTP) 2012-22 was drafted and adopted last year, but Council is also required by law to let residents know of any changes to what was planned for 2013/14, which is Year Two of the Long Term Plan.
So, in essence, each year of the LTP is its own Annual Plan and should really be what is known as “an exceptions document” to the LTP as it only covers new information from what Council published as its intent last year.
Changes to Local Government Act 2002
Parliament amended the Local Government Act (2002) in December last year, with one of the key changes being the modification of the purpose of local government, which is now:
“to meet the current and future needs of communities for good quality local infrastructure, local public services and the performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses.”
Since the Long Term Plan 2012-22 was adopted, the changes to the Local Government Act have removed the reference to Council promoting the four wellbeings (social, economic, environmental and cultural). Council has carefully considered its current activities and reviewed how they relate to the new purpose. Generally Council’s work programme is a good fit with the new requirements of the Act, however some projects were identified that needed further analysis. These projects will be considered in greater depth and if it is found that any should no longer be funded, Council will work with any parties affected to minimise any disruption. Council is also reviewing the criteria for its Community Assistance grants to ensure they are in line with the new purpose before the next funding round.
Further information on changes to the Local Government Act 2002 can be found at www.legislation.govt.nz.