Thursday, 18 August 2005

Alexander: UF shows Govt up on superannuation

Married superannuitants will be $21 a week better off and single people living alone nearly $14 richer a week on national superannuation under United Future, Marc Alexander said today as Greypower attacked the Government on the issue.

"They are dead right in taking the Government on over this - United Future has addressed the concerns of the elderly in its policy and the Government's needs to get fair on this one," Mr Alexander said.

"Basically we're making the first $3000 of income tax-free for wage-earners and superannuitants and changing the formula for calculating super so it is not based on outdated figures, as is the case today."

Single adults sharing accommodation would benefit by $12.80 a week.

"It's not easy surviving on super today and it should certainly not be made harder by a Government using dodgy accounting."

When added to the policy of free health checks annually for those over-65, United Future was clearly committed to treating elderly New Zealanders well, Mr Alexander said.

ENDS