|
|
NZ National party announces economic assistance package |
 |
+ |
- |
16:16, October 31, 2008 |
New Zeland's main opposition National party leader John Key on Friday unveiled a 42-million NZ dollars (24.7 million U.S. dollars) -a-year redundancy support package that is more narrowly targeted than Labour's but gives more to those who receive it.
Key announced the package on the campaign trail in the North Island city of Hamilton on Friday, the New Zealand Press Association reported.
Key said the party's plan would give more to those low-income individuals and families already eligible for benefit assistance, who missed out under Labour's plan.
It would allow people to continue receiving the "in work" component of Working for Families for an additional 16 weeks even after they lost their job.
It would also lift the ceiling of the weekly accommodation supplement by 100 NZ dollars a week to give greater support to those who had high rent or mortgage payments to meet for the same length of time.
Key said people would have to have been in the same job for six months to receive National's additional assistance.
"This assistance will give redundant New Zealanders some space to sort out their financial affairs and get a new job or adjust their circumstances following a redundancy. It will give them a helping hand in a tough time."
Key said the package would be relatively simple to administer.
Key said National's package would be available for two years after which time it would be reassessed.
New Zealand will hold general elections on Nov. 8.
Source:Xinhua
|
|
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article