ACC overpayments should be paid back

Media release
24 November 2006

ACC overpayments should be paid back

ACC levy rates for next year indicate employers might not get reimbursed for past overpayments, says Business NZ.

The levy rates for 2007 were announced this week. The employer levy will remain at $1.21 for every $100 payroll.

Business NZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says the levy should instead be reduced.

“There is a surplus of nearly half a billion dollars in the employer account, and this should be reduced over time by reducing employer levies.

“That $500 million is employer’s money. Keeping it as a surplus in the employers account just creates the temptation to use it for other purposes, like subsidising the self employed account or paying for non-workplace injuries.

“The employer levy rate needs to be recalculated so that employers get back their overpayments over time.

“The whole process of levy-setting needs to be more transparent.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media