Auckland's business rates double

Auckland's Chamber of Commerce has had enough of the Council using businesses as a cash cow.

The Council has confirmed businesses will be paying more than double the rates of comparable residential properties.

Chamber of Commerce chief Michael Barnett says they're being used.

"There is no reason for businesses to be paying significantly more. To me, it's just an opportunity for the councils to get their hand into the pockets of businesses because they believe they can afford more. It's unfair, it's not equitable," he says.

Michael Barnett says it's a lazy way to work out a charging system.