Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

An economics professor says Working For Families abatement thresholds have fallen behind and should increase. The Government lifted the abatement threshold in 2017, from a little more than $36,000 to $42,700. But wage growth has pushed many families over the limit for receiving it. Auckland University associate economics professor Susan St John told Kate Hawkesby an increase between $52,000 and $55,000 would be realistic. She says it's very serious; more and more families are unable to balance budgets, and are at food banks. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.