The Consumer Council of Fiji is calling on the government to increase the income tax threshold to $16,000 to allow consumers to cope with the increased cost of living.
Currently the threshold stands at $15,600 and people earning this amount or less are exempted from paying income tax.
Chief Executive Officer Premila Kumar said that by doing so, the government will be able to ease the financial burden faced by low and average income earners as majority of people in the country earn below $20,000.
Kumar in its 2013 National Budget submission to the government said that the Council is also asking for VAT waivers to be provided to the elderly persons on their water and electricity bills.
The Consumer Council is also calling on for a reduction in the duty on tuna and canned fish.
Kumar said that they have been receiving complaints from consumers on the increased price of tinned fish when the price of fresh fish, chicken and lamb has sky rocketed.
The Council is also asking for increase duty on energy drinks that are high in caffeine and sugar.
Kumar said that side effects and long term health impact of caffeine is well documented and as excessive consumption can lead to health problems.
Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama will deliver the 2013 National Budget at 3pm next Thursday.
Story by: Sneh Chaudhry
