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Govt reacts to call for tax breaks for seniors

Government last night responded to Age Concern’s call for tax breaks for seniors struggling to cope with the soaring cost of living.In Monday’s Royal Gazette, the charity said some elderly people desperately need help as staple food prices have climbed more than 50 percent in a decade while electricity bills have gone up 70 percent in eight years.It urged Government to introduce adjustments in social insurance and tax exemptions for the elderly.A Government spokesman said last night: “The Government is continually examining ways to further enhance and improve the quality of life for all of our seniors.“From 1998 to 2011, social insurance payments have gone up over 52 percent, and in 2003 the Government introduced a $1,000 prescription drug benefit for seniors.“Of course in 2009 we launched FutureCare which is heavily subsidised by Government and provides seniors easy access to affordable, effective and coordinated healthcare.”