“Rich” people to pay 120-150% of utility costs

The head of state proposed to differentiate utility payments depending on people's incomes.

Individuals are expected to pay 100% of utility costs in 2015, but the government still has unsolved questions: whether to introduce a differentiated approach for utility payments or give discounts for low-income people. Alyaksandr Lukashenka expressed his view on the issue in an insistent tone, Interfax news agency reports.

“Let's do the following thing: a rich person pays 120-150% of utility costs. A poor person, who cannot pay much today, covers 25-30% of the costs. The problem is solved,” Lukashenka said at a meeting with members of the government and the National Bank. “You, the government, haven't made a move in this direction, because you think the perspective of paying 120%  will affect you, as you are not poor. I will give you additional money so that you could pay.”

He reminded about his requirement to increase utility costs for individuals by maximum 5 dollars annually. “I am tired of listening to your [government's  - Interfax] begging: 5 dollars are not enough, let's make it 10 or 15. You are crying  'give us, give us' while some people live on bread and water today,” Lukashenka said.

The head of state said, “There's no more need to construct new cultural and sporting facilities, which we already have enough. Their proper functioning should be organized.”