10. Question No. 10—Social DevelopmentMARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader—Green) to the Minister for Social DevelopmentQuestion No. 10—Social Development10. MARAMA DAVIDSON (Co-Leader—Green) to the Minister for Social Development: What support is this Government providing for people most in need in light of the impacts of COVID-19?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI (Minister for Social Development): Alongside initiatives that strengthen business continuity the Government's economic response package has three key initiatives that support people at most need during this time. From 1 April those on main benefits will see a boost of $25 per week; from 1 May to further support beneficiaries and superannuitants the winter energy payment will be doubled in 2020; and lastly from 1 July working families with children who are not on a benefit will no longer have to satisfy the hours test to receive the in-work tax credit. These initiatives alone represent an investment of more than $2.8 billion over the next four years. It is a significant investment to get in front of the impacts of COVID-19 and support individuals and families most in need.Marama Davidson: How will these changes support communities and local businesses through this difficult time?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: We know that people on low incomes spend what they have to cover essential costs. This investment is a boost to consumer spending. It will go to local business and local communities and that's good for everyone. Spending through our local businesses be they big or small helps employers to keep people employed. We also know that providing a boost to those on the lowest incomes is a tried and true instrument to support people during times such as these. This just makes sense and is the right thing to do to support people in the most need.Marama Davidson: Why is it important for the country that we provide this extra support for those in need to care for themselves and their whānau? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: Main benefits and the winter energy payment reach around one million Kiwi homes every year—largely superannuitants. We know that this is likely to increase. We also expect that the changes to the in-work tax credit are likely to provide a boost to around 19000 families in work. As I noted yesterday Mangere Budgeting Services believe that the increase in main benefits alone would likely help people buy another three or four meals a week. These changes can mean that people most in need can be less stressed about being able to meet some of their essential costs during a time of significant economic impact. Our response to COVID-19 must place our people at the centre and that's exactly what we're doing.Marama Davidson: As the impacts of COVID-19 deepen what further support will the Government be looking to provide for those most vulnerable?Hon CARMEL SEPULONI: As the Minister of Finance noted on Tuesday it's only the beginning of what this Government will do to support New Zealanders through this time of crisis and lead our recovery and rebuilding. We know in these extraordinary times that we need to be watching closely how those already most in need are faring which we are. I am encouraged though by the actions we had already taken as a Government prior to the economic response package to ensure we were poised and ready to support people in need including the stand-up of the Government helpline the deployment of rapid-response teams and the removal of stand-down periods which comes into force on Monday. The incredible work of the Ministry of Social Development and indeed across the entire public sector cannot be understated. Will there be more to do? Undoubtedly yes. We will assess and act as we go. However it's not only Government that are acting; business communities and social services—everyone is doing their bit. We need to continue looking out for each other.SPEAKER: Members will have noticed that I moved when Nikki Kaye didn't take the call for her question on to the following question. I've had an indication from the Minister of Education that he thinks it's an important question. He would like to go back and therefore I seek leave of the House looking very carefully so that it is granted to now move back to question No. 9. Is there any objection? There appears to be none.