Analysis of the recently released Whangarei District Council financial statements for 2007/08 shows forecast rate revenue of $57 million – an increase of $6.3 million from last year. Of the $6.3 million additional revenue, $2.7million is lost in interest charges. Put another way, of every $100 dollars increase in rates, $41 will go to pay interest.

The Whangarei community wants assurance that future rate bills will remain affordable.  Council needs to understand that affordability can only be achieved by controlling spending, not constantly increasing rates.