New analysis of Government data shows low income, not poor spending choices, is driving the need for increased benefits
New analysis of Government data shows low income, not poor spending choices, is driving the need for increased benefits
9 January 2020
FinCap's analysis shows people on benefits spend an average 59-percent of their income on housing, electricity and food - compared with 36-percent spent by median income households.
Nelson Budgeting Service manager Rosalie Grant says people are in survival mode and doing the best they can.
She says there's a misconception people on benefits are frittering money away, but kids are going to school hungry because there isn't enough money to start with.
Grant says the Government needs to increase the amount available to those on a benefit.
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