Greens happy with action over tax credits

The Greens are delighted legal action will continue in the battle to extend Working For Families tax credits to beneficiaries with families.

The Court of Appeal's has ruled the Child Poverty Action Group can appeal a High Court decision against its claim that excluding beneficiaries from the tax credit is discriminatory.

Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei says fixing what the party agrees is a discriminatory system would cost around $300 million a year.

"It's a disgrace that this government is refusing to support those children who come from the poorest families. It isn't a huge cost when you think of the benefits to those children and their families, if they do have enough money to manage the essentials."

Ms Turei says our kids need good clothes, good housing, proper clothes and the right to a decent education.

She says if the courts find the policy is contrary to the Human Rights Act, the Government will have to respond more positively.

"The Government keeps saying it wants to do something about child poverty and access for children to education, well making sure that our Working For Families system doesn't discriminate between children is a good first start."

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