Strong support online for Budget

Initial reactions to today's Budget so far show strong support for the Government's announced income tax cuts.

Finance Minister Bill English announced today that income tax will be lowered to give the average earner an extra $15 a week while GST will be increased to 15 percent.

"Thus far, I say 'YAY National!' I am liking this," said wendils23 on Twitter.

"People have to live inside their incomes. About time. Welcome to reality & the world of adults," said westendjenna.

"I've been saving hard since I was 17 and thus not spending much on what I consider unnecessary luxuries. For me, this budget is fantastic," said Logen on nzherald.co.nz.

An nzherald.co.nz poll showed 70 per cent calling the Budget "a winner".

Some, however, questioned the effects of the policy changes.

"It is a total rubbish. The government of the day is just playing with the figures. People actually think that this budget will benefit them, but wake up people and see for yourself," said Nilesh.

"Tax cuts - sounds good, but now not the time for them. We should put the money into something useful for NZ - Stupid Nats," mjwkiwi said.

"These tax cuts do not change the fact that the cost of living is escalating out of control for most New Zealanders," said Dee.

- NZ HERALD STAFF