National colonises Labour’s policy manifesto

July 28, 2015. 2:30pm

“National is colonising the Labour manifesto with its signalled interest in a land tax on foreign house buyers,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“Now that Labour and National seem to be in agreement, there is no debate over the real effect of a land tax or stamp duty.

“How much of the land tax’s cost will be paid by the intended targets – foreign buyers – and how much cost will be passed on to good local vendors?

“And does National really think taxing investment in housing will encourage new development?

“And once the government starts taxing land for foreigners, what’s to stop them extending that tax to Kiwis next time the government finances need a top-up?

“Whether it’s tinkering with land taxes, playing with insulation rules for rentals, divvying out R&D subsidies, or nudging migrants to the regions, National is proving fixated with Labour-lite policy shuffling.

“All the while they refuse to future-proof NZ Super, cut company tax, and increase housing supply through RMA reform. Only these policies will foster sustainable prosperity and reduce living costs for all New Zealanders.”

ENDS

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