The Earthquake Recovery Minister is demanding the Christchurch City Council take a look at its own expenditure before committing residents to rates rises.

Councillors yesterday voted to sell $750 million in assets and raise rates by 33% in a financial strategy that's still subject to consultation.

Gerry Brownlee says such a rates increase is ludicrous and unacceptable in a city that is still recovering.

He says the council can't keep expecting the government to foot the ball for city projects because of their financial situation.