Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has welcomed the
Labour Party’s SolarSaver fund announcement
today.
The SolarSaver fund is based on the Ratepayer
Assistance Scheme (RAS), a local government-led, low-cost
loan model. It has been developed by LGNZ and key partners
such as the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA) and
Rewiring Aotearoa, with Cameron Partners acting as lead
advisor. A number of councils have also supported the
development of the scheme.
“We have heard time and
time again that New Zealanders are struggling to keep up
with the rising cost of powering their homes”, LGNZ Chief
Executive Scott Necklen says.
“We all have a role to
play in making household costs more affordable, and the RAS
is one of the most effective ways to do
that.
“The announcement today shows the potential
for central and local government to work together
constructively to tackle the challenges facing
Kiwis.
“The RAS also has the potential to help
ratepayers manage upfront council charges like rates and
development contributions/levies by converting them into
affordable payments over a longer period of
time.”
Necklen said LGNZ has been working to secure
broad political support for the RAS, which has broad support
across the local government sector.
About
LGNZ:
LGNZ influences, connects and
supports local government. We represent the national
interest of councils across New Zealand to deliver more of
what matters in their communities. LGNZ is involved in
policy, reforms, programmes, and advocacy as well as
providing advice, consultancy and training to councils and
their
staff.
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