The ACC is proposing to hike the average motor vehicle levy for road users by some 12.1%, including a proposed increase of 1.9c per litre for petrol.
The planned increase was released on Thursday as part of the biannual levy setting process for the 2019-21 period.
ACC board chair Paula Rebstock said since the last levy adjustment in 2016 the number of claims for injuries had grown by 6.4% with more people than ever before needing ACC support.
“Experience tells us that during times of economic growth such as we have experienced over the last few years, people tend to lead more active lives, exposing themselves to greater risk. New Zealand’s population is also growing and ageing," she said.
“Pressures on costs includes increasing medical costs; increased costs for care and support workers resulting from the pay equity settlement agreed by Government; the introduction of free doctor visits for under 14s, and increases in weekly compensation claims.
“In addition, the impact of lower interest rates on our investments, and higher inflation forecasts, will have a significant influence on future costs. These factors need to be reflected in the levy rates now to ensure that we can support our clients’ needs throughout their lifetime."
The proposed changes for the 2019-2021 levy period include:
- Decreasing the average work account levy for employers from $0.72 to $0.67 (a 6.9 per cent decrease) for every $100 of liable earnings.
- Increasing the earners’ levy for workers from $1.21 to $1.24 (a 2.5 per cent increase) for every $100 of liable earnings.
- Increasing the average motor vehicle levy for road users from $113.94 to $127.68 (a 12.1 per cent increase), which includes a proposed increase of 1.9 cents per litre for petrol.
Members of the public are invited to provide feedback to the ACC Board on the proposed changes before the Board makes its final recommendations to the ACC Minister for a decision.
“Despite the cost pressures, our investment in injury prevention and ongoing changes to the way we work are having a positive impact. Over the past two years we have also achieved higher investment returns than forecast.
“This is helping us to manage increasing costs, and, with the exception of the motor vehicle account which is slightly higher than anticipated, we have kept levies from increasing as much as we had thought in 2016,” Rebstock said.
ACC is taking the consultation process around New Zealand with a roadshow featuring a “Ask the Nation Station” that will visit nine towns and cities during the next four weeks. Members of the public will be able to use the station to find out more about the proposed changes to levies, and to make a submission.
People can find out more details, and provide their feedback, on the consultation website www.shapeyouracc.co.nz. Consultation runs from 27 September to 25 October.
We welcome your comments below. If you are not already registered, please register to comment
Remember we welcome robust, respectful and insightful debate. We don't welcome abusive or defamatory comments and will de-register those repeatedly making such comments. Our current comment policy is here.