http://www.psa.org.nz/YourWorkplace/LocalGovt.aspx How much do we really know about how well our local
council works? Where do we go for information that allows us
to determine whether or not the services and processes that we take
for granted are up to scratch? In short, how does local
government in New Zealand compare with councils elsewhere? Find out in this report.
Local Government shakeup
Big changes are planned for the local government sector. The Government has released its blueprint for change, Better Local Government.
Briefly, it wants councils to focus only on local issues, reduce spending, limit staff numbers and pay, and and facilitate amalgamations and shared services.
The Government claims local council spending is out of control but that is disputed by Local Government New Zealand and others.
The proposed changes in local government are part of the wider government public sector agenda to cut staff and services and foster privatisation.
How will you be affected?
Local councils will now be under pressure to reduce staff and limit pay increases. The Government says the “Local Government Act 2002 will be amended to empower councils to set policy on the number of staff to be employed and the overall remuneration policy.” The Government claims high wages in the local government are contributing to high debt.The PSA says this is nonsense – wage increases the sector are on a par with the private and central government sectors.
Redundancies and relocations are likely because the changes will make it much easier for councils to amalgamate.
Time frame
Legislation will be introduced in Parliament in May and will be passed by September. No change is likely until after the October 2013 local government elections.
http://www.psa.org.nz/YourWorkplace/LocalGovt.aspx
