Universal benefits challenged

Friday, May 22nd, 2015

The Children’s Commissioner wants a rethink of universal services such as pensions and free children’s healthcare so more public spending can go to the neediest families.

The commissioner, Hastings children’s doctor Russell Wills, hoped the Budget to start a national “conversation” about how to use limited public spending to best effect.

“We need all taxpayers’ funds to make the biggest difference they possibly can,” he said.

“That might mean further targeting of some of those benefits that are currently universal. Continue reading

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News category: New Zealand, News Shorts.

Tags: Benefits, Child Poverty

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