Budget 2022 will make progress towards the goals the Government set at the start of the current parliamentary term, and the submissions received on the statement support these goals. Briefly, they are: continuing to keep New Zealand safe from COVID-19; accelerating the recovery and rebuild from the impacts of COVID-19; laying the foundations for the future, including addressing key issues such as our climate change response, housing affordability, and child poverty. As noted in the statement, we are lifting the operating allowance to a one-off $6 billion per year for Budget 2022 to invest in major programmes. The allowances will then reduce to $4 billion at Budget 2023, and then $3 billion in Budgets 2024 and 2025. This increase is designed to ensure we forge ahead with the major reform programmes that will have long-term benefits for New Zealand. The remainder of the allowances will cover significant cost pressures and fulfil our manifesto commitments. 