Annual Plan 2023/2024
Welcome to Horowhenua District Council's 2023/2024 Annual Plan (AP), adopted by Council on 28 June 2023.
The Annual Plan 2023/2024 was developed together with the Long Term Plan 2021-2041 Amendment (LTPA) and was formed in that light.
The LTPA was needed to address several big issues to ensure water services our community expects, and relies on, could continue to be provided. Council had received new information and circumstances had changed which resulted in Council making the decision to amend the LTP 2021-2041. The Amendment was limited to the following key areas:
- the future of the Levin Landfill;
- key water projects; and
- a rates review and Revenue and Financing Policy review.
This process was about ensuring our fundamental services were and remain fit for purpose. It was developed when Council and our community were facing increased, and still increasing, costs of living. In that light, the Annual Plan was ‘business as usual’ and ‘no frills’. It was not the time to consider new projects.
Annual Plan 2023/2024 | Te Mahere ā-Tau 2023/2024(PDF, 4MB)
What's included
What you'll see in this Annual Plan is any financial changes that have flowed through from the LTPA, and changes to some funding levels to reduce the increase in rates. The changes to projects from the LTPA are reflected in the Activity Statements for Water Supply, Wastewater Treatment and Stormwater. The remaining Activity Statements have consequential changes made due to interest rates and inflation.
The issues Council sought feedback through the combined LTPA and AP that relate to the AP were:
- the proposed rates increase for 2023/2024;
- adjusting user fees and charges; and
- the Foxton Beach Freeholding Account.
FAQs
Will my rates increase by 7.0%?
Council’s income from rates is increasing by 7.0% for this financial year. This does not mean your rates will increase by exactly 7.0% as your rates are determined by where you live, the services you receive and the valuation of your property.
Why are my rates increasing?
We're committed to managing our finances well on behalf of the community while still providing great services and delivering important projects. A large portion of Council’s income comes from rates. Without a rates income increase, we will not be able to deliver everything we need to, to ensure our district remains a great place to live. Our focus continues to be on operating as efficiently as possible to ensure our communities rates are going towards the things that count.
What are my rates spent on?
Rates are spent on a number of projects and services across the district.