Canterbury ratepayers are set to get some relief, with the regional council slashing its proposed average rate rise to 5.8%.

Environment Canterbury consulted on an average rate rise of 9.9%, after signalling a rates hike of 15.5% in last year’s 2024/34 long-term plan.

But staff found further savings, following cuts to public transport funding, allowing councillors to endorse a revised rate rise of 5.8% during annual plan deliberations on May 27.

The council has been under pressure from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to increase bus fares, with less funding available for public transport.

ECan chairperson Craig Pauling said the annual plan has produced a good outcome for the region.

''I was pleased with council's detailed and good-spirited debate, and our consistent focus on strategic outcomes for Waitaha.

‘‘We don't always get the things we want, and some of the decisions we had to make were unfortunately the result of changing Government policies and investment priorities.

‘‘But I feel we’ve landed in a good place for the region.’’

Pauling said public transport, river resilience, and biodiversity remained priorities for the council, despite the pressures of the economic climate and changing Government policy.

The council was forced to rethink its investment in public transport due to reduced funding from central Government.

The council will meet again on June 25 to adopt the annual plan.

by DAVID HILL