- Local Government Regulatory Functions

a) Most regulatory functions of local government are prescribed by central govenment, and this is often done with little guidance that would ensure consistency or good outcomes; b) Increasing regulation prescribed by central government, without compensatory financial consideration. Local government is therefore often left to fund such regulations through rates or user charges; c) At the same time, central government is criticising local government for excessive rate rises and introducing the possibility of capping future rates rises. Central government needs to consider other avenues or options to fund local government activities, including regulation. d) Ongoing changes to legislation, including regulatory regimes, are in themselves costly for local government. These are often driven by political considerations rather than practicality, yet impose substantial costs on other parties, including local government. For example, ongoing reviews of the Builidng Act.