English nothing to say on inequality at Davos

Bill English is attending the World Economic Forum this week but will have nothing to contribute to the biggest issue on the agenda – the ever-widening gap between rich and poor, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson David Parker.

“Bill English has been in charge of an economy where the inequality gap has increased. Income tax cuts weighted to those who already earn the most, a refusal to tax capital gains of the wealthy, and house prices rising beyond the reach of the young.

“His policies have made inequality worse in New Zealand.

“The latest census data showed a 16 per cent increase in the gap between family incomes in South Auckland and wealthier suburbs.

“Inequality is on the rise in New Zealand and National’s policies simply make it worse. It is no use saying that workers would like to see a greater share of growth without offering any solutions.

“It is embarrassing that our Finance Minister will go to a Davos meeting that is focussed on inequality with his lamentable record at home,” David Parker says.

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