Is there parity in family support from different govt agencies?

I WOULD like to see, for comparison, the number of families supported by ACC, the number of children in these families and their average incomes.

Similarly, the number of families dependent on the Supported Living Allowance (Winz), the number of children in them and the average benefits on which they live.

Both groups have a disabled breadwinner, but the difference is cause. This sounds like discrimination.

How does this fit with the Bill of Rights? Kathleen Laing

Dunedin

[ACC media spokesman James Funnell replies:

‘‘In 2017, ACC paid weekly compensation to 102,257 people — including those with serious permanent injuries — based on 80% of their earnings at the time they were injured. This amount is adjusted annually in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index.

‘‘If a client had not yet entered the workforce at the time of their injury, they may be paid Loss Of Potential Earnings (if they meet certain criteria), which is 80% of the minimum wage.

‘‘The number of children a client might have has no bearing on the rate of their weekly compensation, other than when it is being paid as part of accidental death entitlements.

‘‘If a client is receiving a low level of weekly compensation they can still be entitled to the Government’s Accommodation Supplement and Working For Families tax credits.’’]

[Work and Income did not reply to a request for a response.]

IQ drop from fluoride

DESPITE the remarks attributed to Emeritus Prof Peter Herbison (ODT, 8.6.18), chlorine rather than fluoride is required to treat drinking water contamination by farm animals.

That was what occurred in Havelock North.

Equally erroneous is the assertion that there is no evidence that fluoride poses a health risk.

Bashash, Thomas and others have shown, in 2017 and 2018, that fluoride intake by pregnant women increases the risk of damage to the IQ of their children. Bruce Spittle

Ocean View