Halswell Councillor Andrei Moore has suggested consulting ratepayers on using unspent funds from the targeted Cathedral restoration rate to help offset future rates increases.
Christchurch City Council is holding $5.04 million collected from the targeted rate, a levy introduced under the previous administration to help fund the restoration of the Cathedral.
The funds have been accruing interest, but remain unspent after the Cathedral project was mothballed.
Councillor Moore said “This could reduce the rates increase by 0.65%, bringing the total reduction to 0.8% if combined with ceasing the levy,” he said.
Moore requested legal advice to determine if it is possible to use the funds for rates relief, acknowledging that the targeted rate was collected for a specific purpose.
“The targeted rate was collected for a specific purpose (against the wishes of the majority of submitters), however, the situation surrounding that specific purpose has changed drastically,” he said.
“All I’m suggesting for now is that ratepayers should be consulted on this option,” he said. “Holding onto people’s money for an unclear amount of time on an uncertain project is hard to justify when many are struggling to afford their current rates bill and will struggle to afford another big increase.”
He also addressed concerns about the future of Cathedral fundraising, suggesting voluntary contributions could replace the targeted rate.
“None of this would prevent Council from helping to facilitate voluntary contributions going forward, which could well raise more than what the targeted rate is raising currently anyway. Many will be happy to contribute more than the current $6.50 per year,” he said.
“I don’t believe we can reallocate these funds towards other projects as it’s a targeted rate for a specific purpose,” he said. “The advice I’m seeking is purely around if we can use it to reduce the burden of the 25/26 rates rise.”
Moore said the evolving situation presents an opportunity to re-engage with the community. “This seems like the right time to check in with those who have paid it,” he said.
