Hastings District Council big mover on latest Local Government league table

Hastings District Council is one of four councils that have risen 20 places or more in the latest Local Government league tables. Hastings has leapt from a ranking of 54 in 2011 to 18 this year and is ranked alongside Masterton, Nelson and New Plymouth as the biggest improvers over the past 12 months. The tables are produced by Finance and Policy Analyst Larry N Mitchell and rank the countries 67 territorial authorities (73 in 2011) on their financial sustainability and community affordability. Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says “This is a very positive result for Hastings which is now ranked ahead of the other councils in the region. Council has worked diligently to improve its performance and this has been reflected in the latest rankings.While Hastings does not have significant income from non ratepayer sources it is prudently managing district development and ratepayer funds.” The table shows Hastings scored a four point rise in sustainability and one point in affordability with a composite score of 32, up from 27 out of 50 last year. When other factors are included Council is ranked in the second group of 20 councils and rated as good. Mr Yule says “The work which has been done during the production of the 2012/22 Long Term Plan will ensure that we build further on this positive result.”  Sustainability relates to debt and debt servicing per ratepayer while affordability takes into account household income, rates, wages and unemployment in the workforce.