Environment Canterbury has approved a whooping 20 percent rates increase, on average, for Christchurch homeowners.

The announcement was made in a press release bizarrely called “Cheaper bus fares on the way for Greater Christchurch.”

It means a Christchurch home with a ratable value of $580,000 will pay $564.08 this year, up from $469.86, the previous year, an increase of $94.22.

In the statement, it said councillors have today agreed a budget and workplan that balances community expectations on affordability with the need to act on climate change – including a trial for much cheaper public transport in a bid to make it cheaper for people to travel in a way that reduces overall transport emissions.

As a result of the effects of COVID-19, recovery from significant flooding in the region in May 2021 and an increasing need for action in response to climate change, the plan contains variations to what was initially set out for Year 2 (2022/23) in the Council Long-Term Plan 2021-31.

Environment Canterbury Chair Jenny Hughey said an important consideration for councillors was the changing economic and social environment, and the ability of the community to pay for everything that needs to be done.

“We heard from the community that you do want us to take action to respond to climate change – whether it’s protection from the increased frequency and severity of floods, or reducing our transport emissions – but that times are financially tight at the moment.

“I want our ratepayers to start to think about the collective good and the value that comes from us all contributing our part. For example, each person might pay a small portion of the cost of flood recovery, reducing the likelihood and potential impact of significant flood events. In this case, everyone benefits as infrastructure, livelihoods and lives are protected.