MINSK, 23 August (BelTA) – The Belarusian government is considering various options for adjusting the utility rates for the forthcoming cold season. The government will surely provide support to unprotected population strata, BelTA learned from Prime Minister of Belarus Andrei Kobyakov on 23 August.
“We are analyzing, considering various options. Anyway, if utility rates are to be raised, we will keep in mind the citizens, who are unable to pay the bills due to low income. There is one rule: those who can pay should pay, those who cannot pay due to objective reasons will get state support,” stated the Prime Minister.
Andrei Kobyakov stressed that the head of state demands the same. He explained that if the government intends to make a decision that can affect living standards of the population, then the government should take offsetting measures with regard to concrete population categories in an individual manner. “In line with the social state concept we are not going to abandon our citizens in the hour of need. While making plans, we will always provide for certain protective measures. It is a demand of the head of state that the government has no right to deviate from,” said the Prime Minister.
