Wednesday, 27 August 2008

Seniors to be boosted by United Future

NEW ZEALAND HERALD: Superannuitants would get a pay boost under United Future's senior citizens policy, leader Peter Dunne says.

In a speech to Auckland Greypower members today, Mr Dunne said his party wanted to change the way the level of superannuation was set.

The level of universal superannuation is currently based on a set percentage of the average wage, also taking inflation into account.

It is calculated retrospectively.

But Mr Dunne said under his party's policy it would be calculated in advance based on forecast figures. That would ensure seniors were not "cheated of their full entitlement".

The party would also introduce a free annual "warrant of fitness" health check seniors and would guarantee them access to publicly funded elective surgery within six months of diagnosis.

It would also make private healthcare premiums for seniors tax deductible.

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