National’s heating cuts would hurt over a million Kiwis

Simon Bridge’s promise to cut heating support for Kiwi families would see over a million people lose money to heat their homes each winter, says Minister Megan Woods.

“The Winter Energy Payment introduced by the coalition Government will help keep over a million Kiwis warm and healthy each winter – and now National is making it very clear they will cut this much needed support.

“Cutting this vital assistance would hurt older New Zealanders and our most vulnerable. “Around 1,600 Kiwis die each year due to cold housing in winter and thousands more end up in hospital. That’s not right and the Winter Energy Payment will help fix that. But under National, it will be gone.

“When fully implemented, the annual payment will be $450 for single people with no dependent children, and $700 for couples or single people with dependent children. That’s money Simon Bridges wants to take out of the pockets of Kiwis in need.

“Just as we head into winter and the temperature is dropping, National is promising to take heating support away from people who need it most. This is a cold hearted attack on pensioners and the most vulnerable.

“Simon Bridges is selling Kiwis a lemon here – he’s promising National will look out for the most vulnerable but in the same breath promising to cut support for older New Zealanders. If National is so opposed to universal support for older Kiwis they should come out and tell us what else they are going to cut.

“New Zealanders want a positive Government that makes smart investments in keeping our people healthy. Everyone knows when we keep people warm and healthy, we keep them out of hospital and we save money in the long run. It’s a win-win that makes a huge difference. That’s the kind of positive change this Government is delivering,” says Megan Woods.

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