Southland's regional councillors will gather this week to consider submissions to their long-term plan.
A hearing was held last week, at which 15 submitters had their say on Environment Southland’s long-term plan 2021-31.
Topics varied but central concerns included affordability of proposed rates increases, as well as the fairness of the proportion of rates paid by different groups.
Councillors will deliberate on the feedback and make decisions on any changes that need to be made to the plan.
Before the hearing, the council had received 50 submissions throughout consultation, but the majority did not respond directly to what their preferred rates option was.
The council’s preferred rates change option was a 20% increase, to be followed by a 5% increase in the next three years and a 4% increase after that.
The second option was for a 16% average increase with the same subsequent increase as option one.
A month later than it should be, the plan will be audited and adopted on July 30.
