Open days to discuss Tauranga City Council's draft 2014/2015 Annual Plan will begin this week.

Public consultation on the draft plan opened on Friday and will run until April 22.

Council communications advisor Frank Begley says a summary document is being delivered to all homes in the city.

'The council heard a clear signal for change and is proposing a range of new ways of doing things in order to control rates and debt, while investing in the city's future.”

The 2014/15 draft Annual Plan has a 6.7 per cent general rates increase per property. This includes a proposed 4.7 per cent stormwater levy and a 2 per cent rate increase in line with inflation.

Frank says the draft plan reduces Council's debt and its debt-to-revenue ratio, while maintaining an A+ credit rating, which provides favourable lending terms.

Open days are being held around the city where people are invited to meet with the elected members to discuss the draft plan.

Open days

3pm-6pm Thursday 27 March Greerton Village Square

11am-2pm Saturday 5 April Bayfair Shopping Centre

9am-midday Sunday 6 April Bethlehem Lions Market

11am-2pm Thursday 17 April Tauranga Waterfront

The draft 2014/15 Annual Plan is available to view on the Council website here, or at council libraries and the customer service centre.