RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says amalgamation plans have become a tougher picture than initially planned. 

Some local mayors are frustrated with what they call a waste of time and money after being pressured to submit amalgamation proposals, under a tight deadline last month. 

Cabinet's now said it won't make decisions on the proposals until next year after more analysis and development. 

Bishop told Mike Hosking the Government's run out of runway ahead of election. 

He says of the 18 plans, some were really good, while others were too complicated. 

Speaking of the election, National is also questioning where Labour will get the money to fund its latest pledge. 

The party's promising to fund new state homes, school and hospital upgrades, as well as housing subsidies and operating costs. 

Leader Chris Hipkins says the $4 billion would come from the Government's capital allowance.  

But Bishop told Hosking they live in a fiscal fantasy land. 

He says the money has to come from somewhere, whether that's borrowing or future tax revenue. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says amalgamation plans have become a tougher picture than initially planned.&nbsp;
Some local mayors are frustrated with what they call a waste of time and money after being pressured to submit amalgamation proposals, under a tight deadline last month.&nbsp;
Cabinet's now said it won't make decisions on the proposals until next year after more analysis and development.&nbsp;
Bishop told Mike Hosking the Government's run out of runway ahead of election.&nbsp;
He says of the 18 plans, some were really good, while others were too complicated.&nbsp;
Speaking of the election, National is also questioning where Labour will get the money to fund its latest pledge.&nbsp;
The party's promising to fund new state homes, school and hospital upgrades, as well as housing subsidies and operating costs.&nbsp;
Leader Chris Hipkins says the $4 billion would come from the Government's capital allowance. &nbsp;
But Bishop told Hosking they live in a fiscal fantasy land.&nbsp;
He says the money has to come from somewhere, whether that's borrowing or future tax revenue.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Chris Bishop: RMA Reform Minister and National's Housing Spokesperson on council amalgamation plans, Labour's latest election pledge

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/eaca726f-1670-4bcf-a58e-b4cf014e2f67/transcript