Politics

Auckland Council slashes budget after revenue loss

06:46 am on 4 June 2020

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The Auckland mayor Phil Goff says he can't rule out the closure of public facilities as the city grapples with its Emergency Budget.

Swinging cuts are on the cards for Council, which is faced with trying to find half a billion dollars to make up for the Covid-19 budget blow.

Dividends from shares in assets like Auckland Airport have been slashed, as has revenue from facilities like pools and the zoo, public transport and parking fees.

Goff spoke to RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen, who started by asking how many council employees will lose their jobs.

Aucklanders have until 19 July to have their say on the proposed Emergency Budget and give their feedback on either a 2.5 or a 3.5 percent rates increase in the next year.