Simon Watts: Local Government Minister on the Government introducing council rate caps of 4%

An assurance a rates cap on councils is worth the trouble despite the average amount households would save only being $34 a year.  The Government's move will restrict council rate hikes to no more than 4%, excluding water charges, and is expected to come into force in 2029.  Councils would be expected to prepare for it from next July.  Local Government Minister Simon Watts told Mike Hosking no one lives in a suburb called "average".  He says in Waitaki they're facing a 17% rates increase, which is $600 extra on a $3,500 bill.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.