11 Jun 2013

Council takes step closer to housing accord

8:56 pm on 11 June 2013

The Auckland Council has edged closer to signing a housing accord with the Government - but not without some politicians calling it an insult.

The council on Tuesday had its first debate on the accord, proposed by the Government as a way of fast-tracking the building of new homes in a city short of houses.

Councillor Cathy Casey described as an insult a clause allowing the Government to override council planning powers if an accord can't be finalised.

Councillor Mike Lee says the Government is treating the council like a B-grade government department.

But mayor Len Brown says on a critical issue such as housing, the council should collaborate with the Government - even if some details of the deal need sorting out.

The accord legislation is due in Parliament in July after which the council will debate whether to ratify the accord.