Opposition hits back at benefits package
OPPOSITION DISY yesterday trashed the government’s benefits package, saying most of it was made up of tax returns masquerading as assistance.
On Friday, President Tassos Papadopoulos personally announced measures to the tune of £102 million, over and above an earlier £17 million energy packet aimed at alleviating consumers from rising fuel prices.
The government said the £102 million targets specific groups such as pensioners, the handicapped, those drawing unemployment benefits, large families and farmers. Flanked by his ministers of Finance and Commerce, Papadopoulos insisted the money would not put a dent in state finances.
The administration aims to slash the public deficit to three per cent of GDP by the end of the year, with a view to joining the eurozone.
The new measures would give a £75 boost to pensioners receiving under £225 a month, irrespective of whether they benefited from the earlier energy packet.