Impact of low pollution future on seniors
National Seniors has welcomed discussion on how the Federal Government’s Low Pollution Future plan will impact low income seniors.
In The Australian, chief executive, Michael O’Neill, has made it clear National Seniors will hold the Government to its July promise that payments would be increased to offset rising costs.
“Utilities spending is not discretionary or a luxury, so we expect pensioners and low income self funded retirees should be provided with increased concessions,” he said.
According to the Federal Government’s website, lower income households are likely to be slightly more affected than other households.
This is because they generally spend a higher proportion of their disposable income on emission intensive goods, and may be less able to substitute away from these goods.
A single pensioner household in the lowest quintile of disposable income faces an average price rise in 2010 of 1.3%, while households in the highest quintile of disposable income face an average price rise of 0.9%.
Again, for low and middle income households, this will be offset by increased Government assistance.
For more details, see:
