The astute allocation of coffers to key critical areas and targeted policy incentives announced in the 2021-2022
National Budget will be the conner stone in achieving socio-economic stability – helping Fijians reclaim the economy.
The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) views the 2021-2022 National Budget as a big bold budget that will create an
enabling environment to foster financially strong and resilient economy which will ultimately benefit all Fijian
consumers.
While commending the Government for the resilient budget, CCoF Chief Executive Officer Ms Seema Shandil said that the
2021-2022 National Budget is a holistic budget which will ensure no one – from businesses, to consumers and even the
most vulnerable Fijians, are left behind as we strive to triumph over this pandemic.
“The various fiscal and economic policies announced by the Minister of Economy has sent a strong signal that they are
committed to economic recovery from COVID 19 and are ready to keep spending to speed up the recovery. The 2021-2022
budget initiatives will encourage socio economic empowerment as a catalyst for a consumption driven economy.
Additional direct support to consumers through various policy announcements such as unemployment support of over $200
million is also praiseworthy as it will ensure consumers have the ability to access basic goods and services. This will
provide the much-needed relief to thousands of eligible Fijians whose income has been affected due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
Other social protection and relief incentives announced in the budget such as extended bill payment period for
consumers, decrease in traffic infringement fines, waiver of fees such as birth certificate registration and land survey
will also ease some level of burden on consumers. These initiatives will put money back in the pockets of Fijian
consumers.
“We have also been getting calls from a lot of consumers and small businesses saying that they are not being able to
make their utility payments. We had also made a submission regarding this to the government and it gives us joy to see
that the Government will be meeting the full cost of 34.01 cents per unit for 100 kilowatts of power usage for eligible
Fijians,” said Ms Shandil.
Apart from these policies directly targeting consumers, many other initiatives announced by the Government will
ultimately have a ripple effect along the entire economic chains – leading to economic growth and consumer welfare
amidst the current pandemic.
Last night’s budget announcements will certainly trigger consumer spending which is needed for positive growth of the
economy as a whole. It is a fact that more money in consumers’ pockets means more spending and consequently more
business for traders and ultimately positive economic growth.
To seek advice on any consumer issue, Fijians can call the toll-free number 155 or lodge a complaint using the Consumer
Council of Fiji mobile app.