Increased super, sought

Press, 24 September 1988, Page 8

Increased super, sought

By

GLEN PERKINSON

in Wellington The National Old People’s Welfare Council wants an increased rate of superannuation paid to each New Zealander aged 60 years and over as well as a supplement for those with special needs. The taxpayer should bear the cost of this scheme, the council told the Minister of Social Welfare, Dr Cullen, in a submission released yesterday. The proposal equates to a payment increase on present rates of as much as 60 per cent. Neither the Government nor the Opposition can agree on a bipartisan approach to superannuation, as called for by the Royal Commission on Social Policy. The council’s recommendations to the Minister are similar to the compulsory plan mooted by Dr Cullen last week. He wants to see New Zealanders make weekly payments towards their retirement. A figure at about 15 per cent of a person’s income has been suggested or about $75 out of a $5OO weekly wage packet. The council’s submission said the country’s superannuation scheme

should comply with the “user pays” principle. It should be a “contributory scheme totally funded from contributions by every taxpayer.” It sought the establishment of a Governmentadministered superannuation account from which payments a would be drawn. It also recommended a "Superannuation Corporation" be set up to accept payments and to benefit those retired. The council has also called on the Government to make special provision for people living away from cities, those in the unpaid home workforce. It has demanded the married rate be discontinued and all superannuitants be paid the single rate, at present $156 a week. In addition to that the council wants to see single superannuation payments increased to the level of the domestic purposes benefit — a boost of about 60 per cent to more than $2OO a week. Dr Cullen could not be reached in Dunedin yesterday for comment on the council’s statement but his office said he would respond to it next week.