City council freezes new rent rises

The Herald, 28 August, 1981

SALISBURY City Council last night froze rents and supplementary charges which were due to take effect in the former townships next month.

Councillors warned of deep resentment of proposed rent increases of up to 40 percent and the more than doubled supplementary charges gazetted three weeks ago.

They noted there had been demonstrations in several parts of the high-density suburbs and the chance of violence was growing.

Statements in the Press by Councillor Timothy Stamps that the poor were subsidising the rich had fuelled the reaction, councillors said.

Because the increases had already been gazette, the council was advised it could not change the charges but it could decide not to collect the full debt owed by residents.

The original recommendation, put forward by the chairman of the finance and development committee, Councillor Tobias Musariri, had the effect of freezing rents and charges until the end of next month.

However, a unanimously agreed amendment by Councillor Norman Henry extended the freeze indefinitely, pending a reassessment of the charges and, if necessary, a revised budget.

The amended motion was also carried unanimously. Introducing his motion, Councillor Musariri criticised Councillor Stamps for going to the Press. “Our people are demonstrating because they have been given to understand they are paying far more than the rich.”

He appealed to the council to approve the freeze so that his committee could have time to come up with a solution acceptable to the people.

Councillor Tony Gara warned that there had already been demonstrations, while Councillor D. K. Mupavayenda said people in Highfield were waiting until Tuesday. “And when Highfield does something, they do it in a big way.”

Debate continued until Councillor Henry broke the deadlock with his amendment and asked the city treasurer, Mr Ian Galletly, the cost of the freeze. Mr Galletly estimated the revenue loss at $2 million a year and said he supported Councillor Musariri’s motion.

Long-term plans, involving changes in legislation and in the urban tax structure, had to be worked out, he said, before Salisbury’s particular problems could be solved.