More items should be included on price control list - Shandil

As people await the 2019/2020 National Budget announcement tonight Consumer Council of Fiji CEO, Seema Shandil is asking for more items to be included in the price control list, increase duty on unhealthy food and beverages and to bring in regulations to safeguard consumers when dealing with financial institutions.

Shandil says the expansion of the price control list will definitely provide relief to consumers.

Consumer Council of Fiji CEO Seema Shandil

Shandil says they also want the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to include large sliced bread as a price control item as only the medium sliced bread is currently under price control, and most of the time the medium slice is out of stock.

The Consumer Council CEO says the government should increase duty on unhealthy food and beverages to deter consumers from buying these items and it will also help in the reduction of lifestyle diseases. She agrees that duties and taxes should increase again for cigarettes, alcohol and carbonated drinks.

Shandil also says it is great news that the income tax threshold  is $30,000 has this means more take-home-pay for employees.

She confirms that Consumer Council officers will also be on the ground to ensure that any tax and duty reductions are passed down to the consumers by businesses as this has been an issue in the past.

Shandil also says they are also requesting the government to look into the issue of irresponsible lending and establish a mandatory registration of financial advisors to regulate the conduct of those who provide financial advice to consumers.

Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum will deliver the 2019/2020 National Budget at 7.30 tonight.

Stay with FijiVillage for continuous updates and coverage as to how the 2019/2020 National Budget affects you. We will tell you which taxes and duties go up or down and how the government services will be rolled out in the new financial year from August 1st.

You can also check out the live video coverage and updates of the budget on our website www.fijivillage.com and Facebook page: Fijivillage

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