A higher rates rise could be on the cards in Christchurch

The council is now forecasting a 9.76 percent rates rise next year -- rather than the 8.48 percent rise currently planned.

Head of Finance Russell Holden says the council's high fixed costs make things hard.

He says it's difficult to make significant reductions to the figure, without changes to the services council provides.

Meanwhile, councillors are weighing up whether to update the council's procurement policy.

It would see the council only do business with businesses involved in the building and maintenance of illegal Israeli settlements in exceptional circumstances, with CEO approval.