Councillor Tom Crosby:

I support but will not reiterate what has been said. One issue that affects councillors across the board is the 50 years of age eligibility requirement for councillors retiring or leaving politics due to a council being abolished. This is an issue high on the agenda and I would like to see it being addressed in the local government Bill if possible. Many councillors in their 20s, 30s or 40s will leave the system, but they will not be eligible for the gratuity. We have outlined 11 points in our submission, but this is one that arises for every councillor throughout the country.