Poll shows support for quake levy
A new poll shows majority support for a levy to pay for the Christchurch earthquake.
A new poll shows majority support for a levy to pay for the Christchurch earthquake.
A UMR Research poll found support for a levy on income over $48,000 was 57 percent. Of those surveyed 40 percent preferred a levy rather than large Government cuts (29 percent) or more borrowing (22 percent).
The poll, conducted between March 24-27, surveyed 750 New Zealanders over the age of 18.
The Government has ruled out a levy but the Green Party continued to champion it.
"(Prime Minister) John Key has shown in the past he's willing to listen New Zealand, hopefully this poll, on top of the advice of several economic commentators, will shift his thinking," Greens co-leader Russel Norman said.
"New Zealanders...are prepared to shoulder a temporary tax even at a time when household budgets are tight.
"They also understand the economics and support a fiscally responsible approach. Kiwis get that more debt is very bad for the country and deep spending cuts will be catastrophic."
The Green Party estimated a 1.5 percent levy applied to income between $48,001 and $70,000, and 3 percent on income above $70,000 would raise $1.026 billion per year. People earning $50,000 a year would pay an additional 58 cents per week, $70,000 -- $6.33 per week; $100,000 -- $23.59 per week.
Increased Government borrowing would also cost taxpayers over $250 million a year in additional interest costs, the party said.
Prime Minister John Key told NewstalkZB that a levy would not meet the $5b to $10b cost.
"I think when the Greens present it in their soothing tones they do it without giving people the facts," he said.
"An earthquake levy would have to be paid for, for a very, very long period of time, probably at least 10 maybe 15 years, if not more.
"You still have to borrow the money because you can't raise enough on the levy to pay for the earthquake."
He said households were already struggling without an additional levy to pay.
NZPA
Mon, 04 Apr 2011
Mon, 04 Apr 2011
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Poll shows support for quake levy
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