Grey Power North Otago members are "appalled" by the three rates rises out for consultation, the organisation’s president says.
Waitaki District Council is consulting until May 13 on a proposed 19% rates increase — and two further options of 27% and 45%.
Andrew Dunn, who heads up the local branch of Grey Power, said the "tough choices" faced by Mayor Mel Tavendale and the council were acknowledged at a recent meeting of the organisation, which advocates for the welfare and wellbeing of older people.
But an increase spread out over several years was the only way "to avoid social harm to our community and protect vulnerable households", alongside "already too busy" support service groups.
Members at the recent meeting were "generally appalled" at all the options for rises, "given living costs may rise soon".
Consumers would bear the brunt of these costs, Mr Dunn said.
The 45% option was "way higher than the cost of living income for seniors and those renting".
He said older people on fixed incomes could not be expected to "pay such a sudden increase without serious hardship".
A 19% rise would reduce the council’s $14 million deficit somewhat, while 27% would account for inflationary pressures such as fuel prices, and 45% would balance the books, the council stated in its consultation.
Mrs Tavendale said the council was "very aware of the concerns out there" and was "trying to be very mindful" of the impact on the community, and was looking at options for support.
"Councillors are aware our community is doing it tough."
