INDEPENDENT NEWS

‘Mean’ Government Costing Families $30 Per Week

Published: Wed 17 May 2000 05:36 PM
Low income families expecting to be better off under the Labour/Alliance Government are instead finding themselves worst hit by price hikes to cigarettes, petrol and interest rates.
ACT Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today said low income families will have to find another $30 per week just to cover the Government’s tax hike on cigarettes, mortgage rate rises and to fill up the family car.
“With the triple whammy hitting low income families this week this government has contributed to widening the gaps between rich and poor in New Zealand.
“If you take a family with two children trying to get by on $28,000 each year, after buying the essentials there just isn’t $30 left to pay for these price hikes.
Muriel Newman said there’s another blow to family budgets coming later in the year when the Government’s short-sighted decision to hold tariffs at higher rates will inflate prices for basic items like children’s clothes and shoes.
“It’s a cruel irony that after only six months in office the Government that promised so much for low income families is costing them so dearly,” said Muriel Newman.
ENDS

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