Council wants any spending policy changes to provide relief

The Consumer Council of Fiji hopes that any changes in the policy of spending will provide relief to the people rather than further hardship.

Amongst the reduction in duty that the Consumer Council wishes to see is the duty on tuna and canned fish as it has been receiving complaints from consumers on the increased price of tinned fish when the price of fresh fish, chicken and lamb has increased.

Chief executive officer Premila Kumar said despite this year’s National Budget initiatives such as increase in the income tax threshold to $15,600, reduction in personal tax, reduction of duty for imported fruits and vegetables, people continue to fork out more due to the increase in their cost of living.

Meanwhile, the council also proposes that VAT waivers should be provided to the elderly persons on their water and electricity bills.


Story by: Sneh Chaudhry