Social Credit Plans Tax Cut

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31195, 20 October 1966, Page 3

Social Credit Plans Tax Cut

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 19. The Social Credit election policy announced last night includes substantial cuts in taxation, the abolition of compulsory military training, and a voting age of 18. The League has 80 candidates standing in the General Elections, led by Mr V. Cracknell, of Hobson. The election policy names cuts in taxation and the reduction of the cost of living as one of its main purposes. To restore incentive and reduce costs the League intends to abolish all direct taxation, both income tax and social security tax up to the first £520 of income per annum for each individual.

The exemptions for a wife or housekeeper would be £2OB per annum, and £lO4 for each child or dependent relative. Insurance exemption would continue as at present for income tax only, and a wife’s exemption of £2OB would diminish £1 for each £1 of the wife’s income in excess of £lOO.

Without increasing taxation the League plans to increase social benefits to ensure a

reasonable standard of living. This is aimed at correcting existing anomalies and iniquities. Pensions would be increased by 15s in the first year of Social Credit office, and then by progressive annual steps till a reasonable living standard for pensioners was reached. Pensioners would also be entitled to an annual warrant to travel free on Governmentowned road and rail services outside holiday periods; old age and invalid pensioners would be exempted from paying radio and television licence fees; and automatic washing machines would be provided in all pensioner flats as required. Defence Policy

In its outline of defence policy Social Credit says that compulsory military training would be abolished.

On Vietnam it says: “The League believes that all attempts for a negotiated peace should continue, but while these fail we support military action in Vietnam with a force in accordance with New Zealand’s membership of S.E.A.T.O. We believe, however, that decisions such as this should have been made by Parliament, and not just by Cabinet.” Other points from the League’s defence policy are:

Re-examination for more attractive conditions both for single and married men in the armed forces. Modern equipment for the armed forces. Honour treaty obligations A.N.Z.A.M., S.EIA.T.O. and A.N.Z.U.S. The Electoral Act would be amended to enfranchise at 18 years, the League’s policy states. It affirmed its intention to maintain the three year term of Parliament. On finance the League lists in its “first steps” that it would ensure the Reserve Bank carried out its legislative function as a national credit authority, thereby stabilising the purchasing power of money. Interest-free money would be provided for approved public and local body works to the limit of labour and materials available. Subsidy Retention Present subsidies on butter, milk, flour, eggs, and other goods would be retained. "We will repay the national debt as soon as possible.” Part of the League’s education policy includes the abolition of University Entrance Examination accrediting. Sabbatical leave would be introduced for teachers.

Because of its concern that millions of pounds worth of school buildings, books, and equipment stood idle for a large period of their life span the League would introduce summer schools for the public which would give teachers the opportunity of summer vacational employment.

Adult education courses would be conducted in the schools.

Other general points from Social Credit’s election policy are: Multi-storey flats to prevent urban sprawl. Immediate percentage increases in the salary of State servants as determined by the Arbitration Court. Additional television channels as soon as a nation-wide coverage was achieved. A uniform price for petrol throughout New Zealand. The establishment of a second New Zealand medical school without further delays. A vigorous search for alternative overseas markets.

Investigation into the marked differences between the prices paid by the consumer and the return to the producer. The development of timber and wood products as an additional major source of export earnings.