Wish List: 'Bring living costs, wages in line'

By Karen Burge

Bob and Robyn Channing would like to see a bit of financial relief for low-income families in today's Budget.

The Massey couple have their two daughters Susan, 20, and Courtney, 12, living at home and a total income of "just over $30,000."

Mr Channing works as a store manager in Glendene and is a volunteer fire police officer, while Mrs Channing is a full-time volunteer at the local community house.

The Channings find it very hard to make ends meet. The bulk of their income goes on rent for their three-bedroom home and everything is budgeted down to the last dollar.

They would like to see the cost of living brought more in line with wages.

Free healthcare for children still at school and easing the income level for the community services card would help.

Tax cuts for higher-income earners were very unpopular with the Channings. "The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. It should be the poor getting the tax cuts so they can come up in the world and look after themselves."

They support any moves to offer more financial support for families and would like to see recognition of the work done by stay-at-home parents.

The couple also have education concerns for their younger daughter and, while pleased with the increased focus on the basics of literacy and numeracy, would like to see more emphasis on skills which will eventually help her get a job, such as computers and life skills.