This year, we continued to provide our customers with a range of COVID-19 support. We developed relief packages rapidly and set up online applications with built-in checks, which make it easy for customers to check their eligibility. More than 99.5% of applications were made online and customers have received payments in their accounts within days of applying.
We also continued to work with customers who were struggling, to help them keep on top of things. Many New Zealanders are dealing with the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19. At the end of June 2022, just over 454,000 of our customers had told us they were directly affected by these impacts. We know that they're mainly small-to-medium-sized businesses with GST, employer or income tax obligations.
-
We've supported customers dealing with the effects of COVID-19
This year, we reactivated the Resurgence Support Payment and made loans and top-up loans under the Small Business Cashflow Scheme
-
We've helped customers to avoid getting into debt or manage their repayments
During 2021-22, we've kept a strong focus on helping any customers who are struggling to pay their tax obligations.
-
Tax debt has increased, but at a comparable rate to revenue
The impact that COVID-19 has had on customers - businesses in particular - is reflected in the amount of debt owed to us.