Opponents miss vote as rates cap bill passes first reading

The government has progressed legislation for its cap on council rates increases through a first reading in Parliament.The bill initially sailed through the first reading unopposed, as those disagreeing with it missed their window for voting.The legislation, which would require councils to increase rates by at least 2 percent and at most 4 percent a year, is not expected to progress further before Parliament rises this month ahead of the election if passed.Local Government Minister Simon Watts said it was aimed at keeping rates stable and affordable.Labour last week indicated it would give its backing, though spokesperson Tangi Utikere said the party still had concerns including that the government had not pushed ahead with giving councils other options for raising revenue.He said sending the bill to select committee would provide needed transparency and scrutiny.The Greens, Te Pāti Māori, and former Te Pāti Māori MPs Tākuta Ferris and Mariameno Kapa-King opposed the legislation, saying it would only mean fees for council services rise; and council rates were going up because their costs were too.However, they failed to vote against the bill at first reading until Green MP Scott Willis corrected the voting record about 20 minutes later during the subsequent debate on the Disability Support Services Bill.