[Sitting date: 27 November 2014. Volume:702;Page:6. Text is subject to correction.]

6. MATT DOOCEY (National—Waimakariri) to the Minister for Social Development : What reports has she received on the progress of the Government’s whiteware and optical programmes for beneficiaries and low-income New Zealanders?

Hon ANNE TOLLEY (Minister for Social Development): As part of the Government’s welfare reforms, beneficiaries and low-income people can purchase brand new quality whiteware and optical goods and services at a much cheaper price. Since May last year, as part of a Ministry of Social Development preferred supplier agreement, beneficiaries and low-income people have been able to get loans to buy brand new appliances from Fisher and Paykel Appliances. People are now paying on average about $70 less for new whiteware, which come with 2-year warranties, free delivery and installation, and removal of the old appliance. More than 22,500 people have benefited from the deal and the ministry has recently won an international procurement award for its success.

Matt Doocey : What savings has the Government’s procurement programme for optical services delivered to beneficiaries?

Hon ANNE TOLLEY : This initiative has meant savings for more than 6,000 low-income people in need of glasses. Before May people were borrowing more than $500 for new glasses but are now getting them for just over $200. This is brilliant, particularly for superannuitants who in the past were paying on average around $570 for new glasses. Plus, the new process has now saved people the hassle of having to get multiple quotes

ENDS

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