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House goes into Urgency
Parliament has gone into Urgency to pass through all stages the Families Package (Income Tax and Benefits) Bill.
The Bill gives effect to policy changes that
form a 'Families Package' of changes to income tax and
benefits.
The changes repeal tax threshold changes, reinstate the independent earner tax credit, and repeal Working for Families tax credit changes legislated for as part of the Budget 2017 Family Incomes Package.
These changes fund increased payments of the family tax credit, and the Working for Families tax credit abatement threshold is raised.
The Orphan’s Benefit and Unsupported Child’s Benefit is increased and a Best Start tax credit to help families with costs in a child’s early years is introduced.
A Winter Energy Payment is also introduced and there are changes to the Accommodation Supplement.
Leader of the House, Chris Hipkins, earlier told the House Urgency was needed to implement the changes in time for next year’s start date and they were a cornerstone of the Government's 100-day plan.
On Tuesday 19th December, the House will consider the first reading of the Overseas Investment Amendment Bill, and the remaining stages of the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Bill.
On the morning of Wednesday 20th December, there will be an extended sitting for the first reading of the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Claims Settlement Bill and the second reading of the lwi and Hapū of Te Rohe o Te Wairoa Claims Settlement Bill.
On Wednesday afternoon, the House will consider motions relating to the Intelligence and Security Committee, and will confirm the sitting programme for next year in the adjournment debate.
The House will then adjourn until Tuesday 30th January 2018.
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