Council provides and plans for local services, assets and places that affect everyday life, including roads, water-related services, parks, libraries, community facilities, regulatory services, waste, planning and emergency management.

Council funding comes from a mix of rates, fees and charges, grants and subsidies, development and financial contributions, investment income and debt. Different services are funded in different ways depending on who benefits and what policy settings apply.

Rates help pay for the services, maintenance, renewals, infrastructure, facilities and community outcomes Council provides or supports across the district.

Rates are set through Council decisions on services, service levels, capital work, operating costs, funding policies and the overall budget. The LTP shows the proposed direction and the expected rating impacts over time.

Debt can be used to spread the cost of long-life infrastructure across the people who benefit from it over time. Communications should explain the difference between borrowing for long-term assets and funding day-to-day operations.