Govt asked to abandon plans

Press, 21 July 1988, Page 4

Govt asked to abandon plans

The findings of the special Institute of Economic Research study have led to a call for the Government to abandon plans to remove tax concessions to charitable and non-profit making organisations.

“The task force has made the study available to the Government to demonstratae that it was

wrongly advised in adopting the measures contained in the December 17 economic statement,” the task force’s convener, Mr Keith Hancox, said yesterday.

“The task force found it difficult to believe that any New Zealand Government would advance tax proposals of this kind solely for the purpose of

securing additional revenue,” Mr Hancox said. While the task force accepted Government concern to deal with possible tax evasion, no data had been produced which suggested any abuse by reputable organisations in New Zealand. “We believe that there is a very clear need for

Governments and Parliament to devise policies which encourage New Zealanders to maintain a generous disposition towards those in the community who are less fortunate. The Government has a responsibility to nurture generosity. The generosity of the public cannot be presumed,” he said.