Reliable tax base crucial – Neves

Dear Editor, In 2013/14 the parliament appropriated $13.8 million for the payment of benefits which will predominantly go towards paying pensions to 1700 aged people and child benefit for 3600 children; $14.6 million towards tourism related activities to keep the economy strong, $12.4 million towards health which includes salaries for doctors, nurses, payments for pharmaceuticals and referrals for Cook Islanders to visit specialists in New Zealand, $14.4 million to educate children in primary and secondary schools and tertiary activities, $4 million to run a police force, $11.6 million for the outer islands, $8 million will go towards capital activities, $5.7 million for servicing existing debt, and so forth.

Dear Editor, In 2013/14 the parliament appropriated $13.8 million for the payment of benefits which will predominantly go towards paying pensions to 1700 aged people and child benefit for 3600 children; $14.6 million towards tourism related activities to keep the economy strong, $12.4 million towards health which includes salaries for doctors, nurses, payments for pharmaceuticals and referrals for Cook Islanders to visit specialists in New Zealand, $14.4 million to educate children in primary and secondary schools and tertiary activities, $4 million to run a police force, $11.6 million for the outer islands, $8 million will go towards capital activities, $5.7 million for servicing existing debt, and so forth.