Further changes to a Bill aimed at strengthening the Local Government Act to support councils’ focus on core services and improving systems have been introduced to the House today, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.

Progress will this week be made through the House on the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill.

Several amendments are being made, including to support council-controlled water organisation borrowing and ensure a smoother transition to the new system for council codes of conduct and standing orders.

“This will give councils increased ability to invest in critical infrastructure and pay it off over the long-term to match the life of the assets,” Mr Watts says.

“As already announced, the Bill will also be amended to strengthen local democracy and accountability by clarifying that non-elected members of council committees will not have voting rights, subject to specified exceptions. It has been confirmed that the change also applies to members of Houkura, the Auckland Council’s Independent Māori Statutory Board.

“The Board will continue to perform its functions and provide advice to the council – this change is being made to ensure fairness and consistency across Government policy. There will be a 6-month transition period.”

Another amendment being made will give councils targeted powers to recover infrastructure costs created by Fast-track developments, which will limit costs falling squarely on ratepayers.

The Government is also strengthening councillors’ access to council information so they can make informed decisions and better represent their communities, as well as giving councils more flexibility in how requests are managed.

“Councillors need timely access to information to do their jobs effectively. This amendment will improve transparency as well as give councils the ability to set their own process for providing it,” Mr Watts says.

“This Government is committed to fixing the basics and building the future by making practical changes that strengthen local government, improve accountability and keep councils focused on delivering their communities.”