Tens of millions of dollars in welfare are being given to well-off New Zealanders, revealing a Government with an unbreakable addiction to spending other people’s money, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

The Government’s $1.81 billion Winter Energy Payment scheme begins again today.

“According to the last census, 9 per cent of pensioners earn more than $60,000 a year – that’s three times the level of superannuation.

“This group almost certainly doesn’t need handouts from other taxpayers but it’ll receive about $73 million nonetheless.

“Not only that, recipients don’t have to spend the Winter Energy Payment on their power bills.

“A retired couple who have done well in the property market could instead put the money towards a holiday in Fiji.

“A responsible government would target help where it is most needed. But politics is now about playing groups off against each other and buying votes with taxpayer money.

“Government spending must eventually be paid for in taxes. There is no hope for reducing the tax burden on hardworking New Zealanders unless politicians are able to break their addiction to spending other people’s money.”

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