11. JILL PETTIS (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Local Government
What funding has the Government allocated, in Budget 2007, for the Rates Rebate Scheme?
Hon MARK BURTON (Minister of Local Government) Link to this
[ Interruption] Yes, heaps—as the Minister of Finance said. In Budget 2007, in recognition of the growing support for the Rates Rebate Scheme, up to $70 million has been allocated. Since last year’s significant improvements, the scheme has been extremely successful. To date, more than $45 million has been paid to over 102,000 households, which represents an estimated 276,000 New Zealanders.
How does the average rates rebate granted to date in the 2006-07 year compare with the average rebate for the 1998-99 year?
The average rebate in 1998-99 was $159.32—for the few who got it. We can compare that with the average rebate granted to date in the 2006-07 year, which is $448. That is an increase of more than 280 percent in the average rebate, and a 34-fold increase in the number of recipients since this Government updated the scheme.
Hon Brian Donnelly Link to this
Is the Minister aware that many eligible elderly people are not applying for the rates rebate, because they do not like the idea of having to reveal their personal incomes to local council staff, as reported to the rates inquiry panel; if he is aware of this problem, what is he doing about it?
I am aware that despite the extraordinary success of the roll-out of the scheme, which is still in its first year, there are some challenges, such as the one the member outlined. I have officials doing a running review of the process, and we are looking at ways to further streamline and further improve the scheme to ensure that those who are eligible and want to make use of that eligibility can do so.