New rates 'a bit tough' when you're 101 years old

By STUART DYE

At the age of 91 Laura Atkinson has no need of ferries or trains. And living in Milford, she does not even have access to them.

Neither does her neighbour 101-year-old Cybil Welsh.

So the pair, with thousands of other residents, were shocked to learn their new Auckland Regional Council rates bill demanded payment for transport services.

Mrs Atkinson's rates bill increased by 167 per cent. Mrs Welsh's rise was similar.

Mrs Atkinson, who cannot walk far and often needs oxygen because of bouts of breathlessness, said she was disgusted by the increase, which she has no way of paying.

"Old folks like myself just cannot afford it. It's impossible to pay. All my life I've paid my taxes, but this is just terrible.

"It's a disgrace that this should be put upon us.

"If it was a small rise it would be okay, but people like me just can't manage this much."

Mrs Atkinson is in the Lady Allum resthome after a heart attack. But she still pays ARC rates on her nearby Wolsley Ave home.

Last year the bill was $53.32. This week, it is $142.44.

In the neighbouring unit Mrs Welsh has been worrying about how to pay the rates since receiving her bill.

Her sister-in-law, Doris Welsh, said the extra money was causing unnecessary strain.

"Cybil has been really worried about it. For someone who is 101 it's a bit tough. She is a very proud lady and knows she has to pay, but she is quite upset. It's such a big jump."

The ARC rate rise has infuriated Mrs Atkinson's son-in-law, Hugh Reid, who believes residents may decide to revolt with street protests similar to the 1991 Poll Tax riots in England.

"It's time people stood up and said 'to hell with you.' I was so annoyed when I saw the bill. If enough people say 'We are not going to pay', the ARC will have to rethink things."