GST Off Food And Rates Better for Families than Tax Credit Rise

New Zealand First’s policy of removing GST from food and rates would do more for struggling families than a slight rise to the family tax credit, says New Zealand First.

“Minor increases to the family tax credit will do nothing to make life easier for struggling families,” says Revenue Spokesperson Fletcher Tabuteau.

“Families need GST off food and rates more than a tax credit tweak.

“This is fully fundable by cracking down on the estimated $7 billion worth of tax avoidance.

“New Zealand First believes in supporting hardworking Kiwi families and our targeted tax package gives families exactly what they need rather than turning them into beneficiaries.

“Such a small increase does not address the bigger issue of low wages for New Zealanders.

“We commend the Minister’s efforts to keep the minimum family tax credit in line with inflation, but we seriously question whether an after-tax income increase of $260 per year or $5 a week will make any difference at all.

“The Government must do more to ease financial pressures on New Zealanders and New Zealand First would be delighted to sit down with the Government to agree on an action plan.

“So far they are demonstrating a complete lack of understanding around the very real financial challenges Kiwis are facing,” says Mr Tabuteau.

ENDS

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