Councillors have approved a $1.54 billion budget for Christchurch City Council for 2023/24.

On 27 June 2023, councillors approved a $1.54 billion budget for Christchurch City Council for 2023/24, with an average rates increase of 6.41%.

The rates increase for the average residential ratepayer will be 6.60%, or an extra $4.01 a week. Business properties will see an average 5.71% increase and rural properties an average 0.48% decrease.

The Council’s Annual Plan 2023/24 includes $605.8 million for the day-to-day costs of running the city, $190.7 million for debt servicing and repayment, and $746.4 million for its capital programme, based on what can realistically be delivered in light of the current economic challenges.

Read more on Newsline.(external link)

Read more about the plan

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There were four big issues at top of mind when we developed the Long Term Plan 2021–31.

They remain key priorities, and they've shaped the decisions about our spending over the next year. 

Climate change

With sea levels rising and storm surges becoming more frequent, the effects of climate change are already being felt in Christchurch. We’re adapting to our changing environment and making decisions in the face of uncertainty. This Draft Annual Plan continues to draw on the commitments to climate resilience we set out in the Long Term Plan 2021–31, as well as set the scene for further work in the Long Term Plan 2034–34. While we’re still considering the details, there’s also a firm commitment to the proposed Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) funding offered to Christchurch to help us with climate-related initiatives.

Affordability

Our city is growing. That means more people contributing to our economy, but it also means more demand for services. You’ve told us to keep rates as low as we can while continuing to invest in our city for future generations – this requires a careful balance of priorities and funding, while weighing up the effects of inflation, rising interest rates and the ongoing ripples of COVID-19.

Keeping our roads, footpaths, facilities and assets up to standard

Upgrading our aging infrastructure is always a focus, and we’re continuing with our programme of repairs, maintenance and enhancements. We’re delivering $15.3 billion in capital projects over the next 30 years. We’re taking the same approach we took last year when we adjusted our budgets: focusing on what we can realistically do, given the wider economic environment.

Water

With nationwide water reform in the pipeline, the Council will maintain its focus on protecting our water source and ensuring Christchurch’s water is safe and secure. We’re also continuing to invest in the infrastructure required for the collection and disposal of wastewater and stormwater.

The Government is establishing four independent entities to deliver the wastewater, stormwater and drinking water services that are currently being provided by local authorities. Until 1 July 2024, when those entities are up and running, local authorities will continue to be responsible for providing water services to their communities.

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Your rates are used to pay for day-to-day operational spending.

We know inflation is pushing up the cost of living for residents so we want to keep rate increases as low as possible.

Rates increases

  • The average rates increase for 2023/24 across all ratepayers – households, and business and rural properties – is 6.41%.
  • The average rates increase for a typical household is 6.60%.
  • The average rates increase for a typical business property is 5.71%.
  • The typical farm property(external link) will see a decrease of 0.48%.

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Since our Long Term Plan 2021–31 was confirmed, the economic environment in Christchurch has been affected by the same factors that the whole world is navigating – interest rates, inflation, supply issues, a tight labour market, geopolitical instability, and more. Government reforms on the horizon also need to be factored in.

All this means the playing field is uncertain, but the adjustments we’ve made in our budget give us the flexibility to respond as and when we need to.

  • Increasing the Excess Water Supply Targeted Rate average daily allowance from 700 litres to 900 litres for residential properties.
  • Leaving the Uniform Annual General Charge at $153. Most submitters were opposed to the idea of reducing the rate to $50, which was intended to help ease the impact of rates increases for some lower income households.
  • Changing the differential on business properties to 2.22. The value of business properties did not increase at the same rate as residential properties in the last revaluation, and this change will maintain the contribution that business properties make to general rates.
  • An extra $36 million investment in the transport network, in part reflecting residents’ views on the need for ongoing focus on roading and enabling travel choice.
  • Allocating $2 million to a roving footpath maintenance crew, to give effect to the Mayor and councillors’ desire to enhance service in this area.
  • Pausing the Wheels to Wing major cycle route for 12 months to allow for more engagement with the community about how it could work.
  • Using additional one-off revenue receipts, plus $0.5 million from the Capital Endowment Fund, to offset rates.
  • Minor fee increases for some groups using the Council’s community facilities.
  • Penalties on unpaid rates and excess water invoices will increase from 7% to 10% in line with interest rates.

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Browse the Annual Plan 2023/24 in full or chapter by chapter, as well as the public submissions we received, and the thematic analysis of them.

Read the approved Annual Plan 2023/24 [PDF, 5.7 MB] in full.

You can also read the Annual Plan 2023/24 chapter by chapter:

You can also read the Draft Annual Plan 2023/24 in full [PDF, 4.1 MB], or chapter by chapter:

Read the thematic analysis of the public submissions [PDF, 261 KB].

Read the submissions with responses from Council staff. [PDF, 10 MB]

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The easiest way to see all our proposed changes at a glance is using our handy online search tool.

This is your handy guide to the Council projects that are affected by the Draft Annual Plan.

Search by the area you live in, the type of project, the project name or even just a key word, and see at a glance what sort of funding has been allocated for the next three years for all sorts of different things.