UPDATED 9.13AM: Auckland Council's being told to stop pretending it's a de facto state government or a Government department.

Councillors have voted to increase the delegated authority of chief executive Stephen Town.

He's been given the green-light to spend up to $20 million without councillors' permission.. nearly three times his previous limit of $7.5 million.

With the approval of a relevant committee chair, he'll be able to spend up to $22.5 million in one go.

The CEOs of ACC, NZTA and the Ministry of Business have higher limits.

But Orakei councillor Cameron Brewer says they also perform broader national roles.

"Auckland Council is ratepayer-controlled, ratepayer-owned, and has a closer relationship to the public."

There are fears the change will make the council less accountable to its ratepayers.

Cameron Brewer isn't impressed the council is shedding budgetary oversight when ratepayers are calling for more.

He says such a major increase to the CEO's spending powers isn't appropriate when the council is so cash-strapped.

Cameron Brewer believes the council is getting too big for its boots, and it shouldn't be comparing itself to state governments and Government agencies.

"If it focused more on core council services and forgot about being all things to all people we wouldn't have these issues.

The shake-up of Auckland Council

Councillors have decided:
- The delegated authority of chief executive Stephen Town will be increased to $20 million.
- The budget committee and financial performance committee will be merged
- The arts, environment, community development, economic development and infrastructure committees will have their roles narrowed
- The parks, community development and arts committees will meet every two months rather than every month
- The economic development, environment and infrastructure committees every three months rather than every month
- The public may be denied the right to speak at full council meetings, and there will be new rules for amendments and notices of motion

Other decisions

Councillors have decided:
- New restrictions on portable, veranda, poster-boards, event and real estate signs will be introduced from October
- The fees for filming in public places will be increased by 20-percent
- A permit will now be required for filming on Auckland mountains (Maunga)
- A new property maintenance and nuisance bylaw will be put out for public submissions next week
- Auckland Council will pay out 23.7 million to the owners of Orewa's Nautilus Apartments