Proposed changes

Proposed changes to charge-out rates

We are proposing changes to our Fees and Charges Policy to enable us to recover the full costs for the processing of resource consent applications from applicants.

The proposed changes will increase hourly charge-out rates for Consents Planners and Senior Consents Planners. This increase will cover the systems, overheads, equipment and staff costs for the time taken to assess and process consent applications.

Who will be affected?

The changes will affect any individuals or organisations applying for resource consents to use or take water, land or coastal resources, or allow the discharge of water or wastes into air, water or on to land.

Why change is needed

While we have kept costs for resource consent applications to a minimum for several years, we have now reached the point where the charges for processing are not fully covering the costs and the deficit is being supported by ratepayers. Over the last few months the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the economic landscape and our Council have been carefully reviewing rates for 2020/21.

The changes we propose would ensure the costs for resource consent applications are met by those who initiate or benefit from the activity. This ‘user-pays’ approach is consistent with our Revenue and Financing Policy.