$73 million for well-off older Kiwis

Today all New Zealand taxpayers will start paying the winter power bills of well-off pensioners, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“Around 9 per cent of superannuitants earn over $60,000 a year – more than the median income and three times the level of the pension.

“Their slice of winter energy payments will cost taxpayers about $73 million.

“This epitomises a Government that taxes with impunity and throws money around without reflecting on the objectives it’s trying to achieve.

“The Government has simply assumed that all superannuitants are unable to pay their power bills and now taxpayers are now on the hook for that decision.

“It is completely irresponsible to give welfare to people that don’t need it.

“There is no way we can cut taxes, and boost the economy, when political parties of all stripes are addicted to giving away handouts.

“ACT believes the Government should allow Kiwis – as far as possible – to keep what they’ve earned”, says Mr Seymour.

© Scoop Media