I write on behalf of many concerned residents to express our town’s absolute opposition to the proposed 68.50% rate rise, alongside the rise of the rubbish charge.
While we understand that a rate increase may be necessary to maintain essential services, this proposed rise is extreme and will cripple our community. Such a massive hike in costs is simply unaffordable for many families, pensioners, and small business owners who are already struggling with rising living expenses.
One of the key reasons people choose to live in or move to our town is the relatively low cost of living—particularly our rates. A 68.50% increase will not only deter future growth but could force existing residents to leave. It’s an unfair burden on a community that prides itself on resilience, contribution, and a strong sense of place.
There will be a one more community meeting held in Deepwater on Monday, 27th May at 5:00pm at the School of Arts. We encourage you and anyone who is concerned about the proposed rate rise to attend and have their voice heard.
We urge the council to reconsider this proposal and seek a more balanced, transparent, and community-focused solution. The people deserve to be heard, and we ask that the New England Times shines a light on this critical issue before irreversible damage is done to the town we all love.
Sincerely,
Leah Johnson
Got something on your mind? Go on then, engage. Submit your opinion piece, letter to the editor, or Quick Word now.
Agreed ii’s impossible to support this rise when excessive excess of spending is still proposed for 8 million on new council offices.
New England Times putting the rates up will make it harder for people to live we are paying to much now to live we will have more homeless people on the streets
Craig Roy Shaw because people who own homes and therefore pay rates often go from home owner to homeless?