It’s still a good scheme

Winston Peters is not the only person receiving the winter heating payment who doesn’t need it. But this does not mean it is not a good scheme. Means-tested payments are associated with expensive administration.

By accepting the payment and handing it on to a charity, helping those worst off, anyone can ensure that a family living in a cold damp house has a better chance of health. Refusing the payment means it becomes part of the myriad government expenditure.

Joy McLeod, Diamond Harbour