Local Government Minister defends rates cap

The government will cap Council rates increases at 4% from 2029, with limited exceptions. It says the move will ease cost-of-living pressures, and get councils to focus on the basics. At the same time the historic city deal between Auckland Council and the Government is under pressure, after the Prime Minister ruled out a bed tax if National is re-elected - the deal committed to consider an accommodation levy in 2027. Minister for Local Government and Minister for Auckland Simon Watts spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.