Balanced Budget for Kapiti and Horowhenua
Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the 2011 Budget as a big step forward in getting the economy back on track, with positive news for local schools and health services.
“$2.2 billion is going into health over the next four years. This includes new funding of $27 million for MidCentral DHB and $16 million for Capital Coast DHB, which is great news.
“$1.4 billion is going towards education over the next four years, including an increase of around 3% in operational funding for schools.
“We want to get better value for taxpayers from public spending, while at the same time we’ve made it clear health and education are the two biggest priorities for new spending.
“Overall this Budget is a big step towards getting Government debt under control, helping rebuild Christchurch, and growing the economy.
“National inherited a disastrous set of financial problems from the previous Labour government. We’ve had to deal with a global financial crisis and two devastating earthquakes in Christchurch, on top of other challenges.
“Minor changes to KiwiSaver will help us save more as a nation and keep the scheme affordable. Right now borrowing to save doesn't make good sense. Government subsidies are being reduced and matched with private contributions, although the $1000 kickstart for new members will remain.
“Working for Families will become better targeted towards those in need. The majority of families currently receiving this will get an increase in their payment from 1 April 2012, while a number of higher income families will receive less or no longer qualify. I think most people will agree this is a sensible move.
‘These changes won’t come into affect until after the election. We are clearly setting out our policies in advance and seeking a mandate from the public.
“I’m very encouraged with the positive forecasts for job and wage growth. The economy will be picking up strongly over the next few years, with 170,000 new jobs expected across the country over the next four years.
“We can expect to see many of these jobs in Kapiti and Horowhenua, as our major infrastructure programmes include:
• Kapiti Airport opening later this year
• $2.2 billion of investment into the Levin to Wellington Airport Road of National Significance, including Transmission Gully.
• A new school for Waikanae is on its way
• Rural broadband is rolling out
• Five new police in Levin this year.
“I’m proud of the Government’s massive investment into our region, and of how we’ve come through such a challenging few years,” says Mr Guy.
Detailed information on Budget 2011 is available at: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/special-feature-budget-2011