Hutt City Council is proposing the average ratepayer will see their rates increase by just two percent in the coming financial year.

This follows a meeting today of Mayor David Ogden and Councillors to approve the draft Annual Plan for 2010/11.

Mayor Ogden says the small rise again emphasises Hutt City's reputation for having among the lowest rate increases of a city council in New Zealand.

"We have worked hard to keep the rates increase as low as possible and within our target of no more than inflation plus 0.5 percent.

"I am pleased we have been able to achieve this, especially with many of our residents and businesses struggling though difficult economic times.

"The draft Plan also shows maintaining and improving services, facilities and infrastructure remain an important focus for us.

"In other decisions made today, Council is to consult on offering financial incentives for new commercial and apartment developments in the CBD, introducing a targeted rate to fund promotion of the CBD, and increasing the targeted rate for funding the Jackson Street Programme's activities.

"We now look forward to finding out from residents and ratepayers what they think of the draft Plan," says Mayor Ogden.

The consultation period is from Monday 19 April to Thursday 20 May.

A summary of the draft Plan with questionnaire will be distributed in the Hutt News on 20 April, with copies of the full plan available from Council's main reception, libraries and www.huttcity.govt.nz from 19 April.