INDEPENDENT NEWS

Budget Should Address Poverty, Says Caritas

Published: Thu 7 Feb 2008 10:53 AM
MEDIA RELEASE - fOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7 February 2008
Budget Should Address Poverty, Says Caritas
The government's 2008 Budget should continue to provide for measures that address international and local poverty, says Catholic social justice agency Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand.
In a submission to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee, Caritas has supported the government's conditions for tax cuts, giving priority to the condition that personal taxes will be only be cut in a way that does not lead to greater inequalities in our society.
Caritas has asked the government to ensure that this aim extends to our global community, and sought a timetable for implementing New Zealand's commitment to pay 0.7% of Gross National Income in Official Development Assistance.
Caritas also sought greater assistance for families who are dependent on benefits. It asked, as a basic minimum, that any personal tax cuts be passed on to beneficiaries, rather than that the gross benefit rate be recalculated so net benefits are unchanged, as has happened previously.
ENDS

Next in New Zealand politics

Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
By: New Zealand Government
Parliamentary Network Breached By The PRC
By: New Zealand Government
GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan
By: New Zealand Government
Tax Cuts Now Even More Irresponsible
By: New Zealand Labour Party
New Zealand Provides Further Humanitarian Support To Gaza And The West Bank
By: New Zealand Government
High Court Judge Appointed
By: New Zealand Government
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media