The Government should not be feeling smug about giving beneficiaries and superannuitants a pay increase on April 1, as this is the same day the petrol tax comes into effect, says National Leader Bill English.

"It is completely hypocritical for the Labour Government on the one hand try and act as though they care, and yet on the other side impose an unnecessary extra burden on these very same people.

" Many superannuitants and those on benefits do not own their own vehicles and have to use taxis or public transport. This sector has already signalled increased costs will be passed onto their customers.

"Also the petrol tax is likely to see an increase in many other consumer goods as carriers already operating on paper thin margins try and maintain costs.

"If Mr Maharey really wants to prove he cares about every day New Zealanders then he should tell the Prime Minister to scrap the petrol tax increase.

"What makes the petrol tax increase even worse, is though the Government start collecting it from April 1, it will be years before the roading projects they claim it is for ever get underway,' says Mr English.

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