11. CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
How have the 1 April changes provided greater certainty to those receiving benefits and New Zealand Superannuation?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
This Government has locked the annual general adjustment into legislation to give those who rely on benefits and superannuation real certainty. Last week all main benefits increased by 3.75 percent, to reflect the increases in the CPI.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
Yes, the annual increase was to foster care allowances as well and that was also locked into legislation. Assistance has also increased for the 11,500 people caring for children and receiving the unsupported child benefit.
Hon Annette KingIf older New Zealanders are feeling more certain about their future after the 1 April change, why is Grey Power in its latest magazine saying: “The Government is more interested in its big dividends from power companies than the health and welfare of its citizens, many who cannot afford to turn heaters on in the winter. There are more and more people in poverty.”?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
When it comes to superannuitants this Government is very proud of the differences we have made to money in their pockets. Since October 2008 the married rate of New Zealand superannuation has increased from $439.80 per person a fortnight to $522.96—an increase of $83.16, or 18 percent.
I would like to table the Grey Power newsletter, which is not available to everyone, in order that people might like to see it—
Mr SPEAKER
Hon Dr Nick Smith