1. STEVE CHADWICK (Labour—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Minister of Local Government
What steps has the Government taken to improve the rates rebate scheme for those on low incomes?
Hon MARK BURTON (Minister of Local Government) Link to this
From 1 July, I am pleased to tell the House, there will be a significant increase in the number of Kiwis who will be eligible for a rebate under the rates rebate scheme. That is because the income threshold under which people will become eligible for a full rebate will increase from $7,400 to $20,000. In addition, the maximum rebate under the scheme will increase from $200 to $500, meaning there will be more money in the pockets of those who receive a rebate.
How many more people will be eligible to receive the rates rebate as a result of the rates rebate scheme changes that come into effect on 1 July?
The changes will mean many more New Zealanders, particularly older people and others on lower fixed incomes, will be eligible for a rates rebate. Whereas in the 2004-05 rating year fewer than 4,000 people actually received a rebate, now up to 300,000 New Zealanders will be eligible for a rates rebate under the new scheme.