Govt officials resist extension of tobacco excise increases

Thu, 20 Dec 2018

By Gavin Evans Dec. 20 (BusinessDesk) - Government officials are resisting calls to continue a planned ramp-up of tobacco excise beyond 2020. Accounting firm Ernst & Young has recommended the increases – set in legislation at consumer price inflation plus 10 percent – continue beyond 2020 when they are currently due to end. It says the excise increases are having a greater financial impact on Maori and Pacific Island households, but are one of the few effective tools the government has for reducing tobacco use. It recommends they be co...

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