Post by Banjo on May 17, 2014 7:06:56 GMT 7
South Australian seniors face rates and utilities rise as state government may not cover federal budget cuts
SENIORS have been warned they face council rates increases of up to $200 per year as well as more expensive public transport and utility bills, because of Federal Budget cuts that the State Government is refusing to guarantee it will cover.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis has warned the axing of a Federal Government refund for seniors concessions administered by the state would cost the State Budget $30 million a year.
The funding helps deliver cut-priced council rates, utility bills and public transport to seniors but is set to be wound up from July 1 to save the Federal Government $300 million.
While the payments do not cover the entire cost of the State Government’s concessions program, all options are on the table to fill a gap left by cuts in the Federal Budget.
“These cuts could mean as much as a $200 increase in council rates for pensioners,” he said in a statement to The Advertiser.
“It’s an attack on people who helped build our state and who deserve a secure retirement.
“Attacking them now, at this stage of their lives, is immoral.
“I encourage pensioners to call their Federal Liberal MPs and Senators and demand they stand up to Tony Abbott.”
Concessions for eligible seniors in SA include discounts of up to $295 off water bills for homeowners or $230 for those who rent.
There are also discounts worth up to $110 off sewerage bills, $165 for energy bills and $46 for the emergency services levy.
www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/south-australian-seniors-face-rates-and-utilities-rise-as-state-government-may-not-cover-federal-budget-cuts/story-fnii5yv7-1226920791634
SENIORS have been warned they face council rates increases of up to $200 per year as well as more expensive public transport and utility bills, because of Federal Budget cuts that the State Government is refusing to guarantee it will cover.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis has warned the axing of a Federal Government refund for seniors concessions administered by the state would cost the State Budget $30 million a year.
The funding helps deliver cut-priced council rates, utility bills and public transport to seniors but is set to be wound up from July 1 to save the Federal Government $300 million.
While the payments do not cover the entire cost of the State Government’s concessions program, all options are on the table to fill a gap left by cuts in the Federal Budget.
“These cuts could mean as much as a $200 increase in council rates for pensioners,” he said in a statement to The Advertiser.
“It’s an attack on people who helped build our state and who deserve a secure retirement.
“Attacking them now, at this stage of their lives, is immoral.
“I encourage pensioners to call their Federal Liberal MPs and Senators and demand they stand up to Tony Abbott.”
Concessions for eligible seniors in SA include discounts of up to $295 off water bills for homeowners or $230 for those who rent.
There are also discounts worth up to $110 off sewerage bills, $165 for energy bills and $46 for the emergency services levy.
www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/south-australian-seniors-face-rates-and-utilities-rise-as-state-government-may-not-cover-federal-budget-cuts/story-fnii5yv7-1226920791634