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Money-related bills set for debate today

A succession of money-related bills are up for debate today as the House of Assembly sits for what could be the final time before Christmas.The most likely items for discussion are proposed four percent pension rises for retired public sector workers, MPs and senators, under the Pensions (Increase) Order and Pensions (Public Service Superannuation Act 1981) (Increase) Order.This means the average benefit for retired MPs and Ministers will go up more than $1,300 to $35,800 a year prompting concerns the average senior is left further behind on little more than $8,000 a year. However, any objections from the Opposition today will be offset by the fact the increases are required by law because the cost of living has gone up.Premier Paula Cox has four other pieces of legislation relating to her Finance Ministry on the agenda, but it was not clear which would be dealt with today. They include changes to rules regarding investment funds, and altering of fees to Bermuda Monetary Authority. Health Minister Zane DeSilva’s Optometrists and Opticians Amendment Act, which tightens up the rules governing that profession, could also be debated today.And Shadow Attorney Trevor Moniz says he could go forward with his motion calling for discussion on new regulations allowing people to stay at Tucker’s Point hotel villas the year round, instead of just 90 days a year.