AG's 'damning' report forces changes to govt's cost of living payments

AG's 'damning' report forces changes to govt's cost of living payments
Revenue minister David Parker has tightened the eligibility screening for cost of living payments after concerns were raised by the auditor general. (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
Controller and auditor general John Ryan says more care should have been taken to ensure the cost of living payments were only paid to eligible people.On Tuesday, Ryan released a letter he wrote to the head of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) which said good stewardship of public money required greater care when designing and implementing the payments – ensuring that the criteria were clear and the data used by IRD was adequate.Also on Tuesday, the government announced it would be “refining” the screening tests for eligibil...

More Policy

LNG imports: Watts open-minded on scale
Policy

LNG imports: Watts open-minded on scale

Energy sector analysts fear a "small, cheap" option will push up the LNG price NZ pays.

Adrian Orr launches new company as restraint of trade lifts
Economy

Adrian Orr launches new company as restraint of trade lifts

It’s been six months since his exit from the central bank.

Denise McNabb 07 Oct 2025
Auckland’s Milldale housing project approved
Policy

Auckland’s Milldale housing project approved

The project is the third approved since applications opened in February.

Michael Neilson 03 Oct 2025
Govt outlines strategy to deliver Defence Capability Plan
Economy

Govt outlines strategy to deliver Defence Capability Plan

The economy and NZ industry would be beneficiaries.

Staff reporters 03 Oct 2025