People want price cuts in Budget 2015 says LMD-TNS poll
Friday, 3 October 2014 06:07
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An LMD-commissioned poll conducted by TNS Lanka reveals that the people are “sceptical about the forthcoming budget offering any relief on the cost of living front.”
The magazine notes, however, that 44% of those polled expect Budget 2015 to offer concessions to the crucial SME sector, with three-in-10 disagreeing with this view and a quarter saying they’re ‘unsure’.
According to LMD, 25% of TNS Lanka’s sample population says the budget will announce reductions in tax rates. But a massive 56% of the survey sample disagrees with this statement, adding that they expect tax hikes to be announced in the forthcoming budget.
The people also urge the state to reduce prices, increase salaries of public sector workers and take measures to strengthen the economy through Budget 2015. And as a spokesperson for LMD’s publisher Media Services states: “Some of those polled may be breathing a sigh of relief, following the announcement of lower electricity and fuel prices, just two weeks after this survey was completed.”
Interestingly, some 55% of respondents to the survey say that the budget will reflect the prospect of elections in 2015.
The October edition of the pioneering business magazine has been released to bookshops and supermarkets across the island. Its Cover Story features an exclusive interview with Sir Richard Branson, and his take on the world and Sri Lanka. LMD’s website (www.LMD.lk) has the online version of this exclusive interview.
