Lower rates increases have been agreed by Invercargill City Council (ICC) after feedback from the public.

ICC will still deliver its programme of renewal outlined in the Long-term Plan consultation document - Our Roadmap to Renewal.

But there will be lower rates increases in the final six years of the plan than originally suggested, according to a media release from the council this afternoon. 

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The increase for 2021 -22 will remain at 5%, the following three years remain at 4%, from then on there will be lower increases of 3.75% -2.50%.

The Southland App has asked for more information about how the lower increases will be achieved and we'll update this story once we hear back. 

ICC consulted on the Long-term Plan between 30 March and 3 May 2021, with 560 individuals and organisations taking the opportunity to have their say and present their submissions.

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Hearings were held over two days in May. 

After listening to the views of the public the council finalised its approach to delivering strategic community projects including Urban Play, Southland Museum and safety of the Rugby Park building.

ICC Strategy and Policy Manager Rhiannon Suter said the engagement process went well.

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"Council was pleased to receive a high level of engagement and as a result was able to refine its final decisions for the Long-term Plan," she said.

Councillor Rebecca Amundsen said Councillors were pleased to hear from a wide variety of people within the community.

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"We are excited about our programme of renewal for Invercargill," Ms Amundsen said.

The updated Roadmap to Renewal will be available in the Long-term Plan following its approval on 30 June 2021.