A proposed 25 percent rate increase by the Canterbury regional council's has many locals up in arms.
The increase is one of two options being released to Cantabrians in the region's draft long term plan.
Using the environment as a reason to raise Canterbury's regional rates take by more than 24 percent is being questioned by several Christchurch councillors.
Environment Canterbury says it needs to fund central government programmes which demand that waterways be cleaned up from farming and industrial waste.
Changes to transport are also cited as a growing cost to the region.
