The 2013 budget, issued last week by the National Government, features a number of initiatives to support low-income families:
- $100 million to continue the Warm Up New Zealand home insulation programme.
- $21 million for rheumatic fever prevention.
- Extra funding for Budgeting Services.
- A partnership with NGOs to provide low or no-interest loans for low-income borrowers.
- A trial on Housing New Zealand properties of a Warrant of Fitness programme for rental housing.
The Government will also invest a further $188.6 million to help more New Zealanders into work, an additional $46.8 million for rent subsidies to support high-needs tenants, and an extra $26.6 million to support rent subsidies to non-government community housing providers.
Providing better frontline healthcare and prevention continues with $16 million in new initiatives.
The Government is also helping more New Zealanders get the skills they need by lifting student achievement in all levels of the education system. Budget 2013 further supports these measures with over $900 million for new education initiatives across early childhood, primary and secondary education.
If you have a smartphone and want to take a closer look at the Budget visit the Treasury website: http://www.treasury.govt.nz/budget/app
Source: Nicky Wagner Soundbites
