The Local Government Minister's flagged concerns over a sharp rates increase in Christchurch

The City Council's Draft Annual Plan proposes a 7.4 percent increase for the average household - around six dollars a week.

Residents could also face higher fees for council pools and dog registrations.

It comes as the Government seeks to cap rates' increases at two to four percent annually.

Simon Watts says the rise is pretty disappointing for ratepayers in that area of the country.