Local Authority Census and LTCCP Survey
The Local Authority Census (LAC) is carried out annually by Statistics New Zealand. It collects information about the annual financial performance of local authorities. The LAC is mandatory under the Statistics Act 1975, and all local authorities are required to participate.
The Long-term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) survey collects information about local authorities’ financial forecasts for the next 10 years, based on their LTCCP. While the LTCCP survey is not mandatory, responses will contribute to a national dataset about the local government sector. It is important that all local authorities take part to ensure information is consistent and representative.
Statistics New Zealand is sending both the LAC and the LTCCP survey to councils on 14 October 2009.
The LAC has been redesigned to more closely align with local authorities accounting systems. It is now an electronic survey, and testing has shown it is easier and quicker to fill out than the previous (paper-based) LAC.
Statistics New Zealand Local Authority Census information
Fact-sheets and Help Notes
Statistics New Zealand and the Department of Internal Affairs have put together the following information to answer common questions and provide further guidance for those filling out the surveys.
- LAC Fact-sheet (pdf 49kb)
- LAC Help Notes (pdf 158kb)
- LTCCP Survey Fact-sheet (pdf 219kb)
- LTCCP Help Notes (pdf 153kb)
Contact details for any questions
- For questions relating to the LAC please contact Tim.Calder@stats.govt.nz or Jonathan.Sim@stats.govt.nz, or phone 04 931 4600.
- For questions relating to the LTCCP survey content, please contact Tim.Calder@stats.govt.nz or Jonathan.Sim@stats.govt.nz, or phone 04 931 4600.
- For questions about the analysis and use of the LTCCP information please contact Graeme.Thomson@dia.govt.nz, or phone 04 494 5715.
Access to information
The DIA is currently working on a project to make the data collected in the LAC and LTCCP surveys (along with a range of other information) available to local authorities through www.localcouncils.govt.nz.
The intention is to
- provide access to up-to-date, detailed information that is consistent across councils
- allow users to compare data from a range of categories, over time
- improve the information base for council decision-making.
For further information about this project please contact Graeme.Thomson@dia.govt.nz, or phone 04 494 5715.
