Bill English MP
National Party Finance Spokesman

12 December 2006

Families on a diet while Government grows fat

National's Finance spokesman, Bill English, says public accounts released today, show Labour continues to grow the Government’s income and assets, while middle income families struggle on incomes that haven’t changed much in 20 years.

Government accounts show the surplus is $800 million, or about one third higher than expected in the first four months of the year.

“These figures will help Peter Dunne push Dr Cullen into tax cuts.

“Dr Cullen alternates between heavy hints that he will cut taxes and threats that Dr Bollard will raise interest rates if he does.

“Meanwhile, middle income families are struggling to pay the bills and save a dollar. They’re also worried that big surpluses mean lower-quality government spending.

“Labour have their hands deep into the pockets of middle New Zealand.

“It’s time they reduced taxes, focussed on quality spending and let family and business incomes grow.”

ENDS

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