Poor hit from all angles with regional fuel tax

“The poorest Aucklanders will be in hit in at least three different ways with Phil Twyford’s new regional fuel tax”, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“Grant Robertson doled out $40 a week to many families with children in his ‘Families Package’. Now Phil Twyford will take back four weeks’ worth of Families Package payments with a new tax that will cost the average household $160 a year.

Legislation to enable the regional fuel tax will begin its first reading in Parliament today.

“The government’s regulatory impact statement shows poorer Aucklanders will be the hardest hit for three reasons.

“First, they use more fuel during their commute given they often live further from the city centre.

“Second, they are less likely to be able to access electric and newer fuel efficient vehicles meaning they use even more fuel.

“Finally, according to Westpac, increased fuel costs will put upward pressure on the prices of everyday goods and services.

"Mangere Budgeting Services Trust Chief Executive Darryl Evans has echoed these sentiments, saying the city's poorest families will be among those hardest hit by the new tax.

"The real kicker, though, is that Aucklanders aren’t even being told which transport projects the tax will fund”, says Mr Seymour.

ends

© Scoop Media