ETS Changes a Tax Hike with Lipstick

26 MAY 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Taxpayers’ Union says the Government’s decision to double the price of emissions of some businesses amounts to a tax hike on business and employment which will see consumers pay more. Jordan Williams, Executive Director of the Taxpayers’ Union says:

“The Emissions Trading Scheme is simply a tax by another name. The Government’s decision to phase out the two-for-one subsidy on emissions units amounts to a tax hike of $356 million over the next four years under another name.”

“The tax was introduced as a way for the Government to make transfers overseas relating to our international climate change obligations. Rather than lifting a ‘subsidy’, it is hiking the tax so that the Government can increase spending in other areas.”

“The changes to the ETS will will see motorists pay more for fuel despite duties and other taxes recently reaching more than 50% of the amount paid at the pump.”

“This Government is very good at increasing the burden of taxes in stealthy ways. Just like not adjusting income tax thresholds to match inflation, the Government will be hooping that this change will see New Zealanders pay it more without noticing.”

ENDS

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