Debate on how the planned sales tax hike will affect the economy is expected to heat up when a government panel begins gathering expert opinions Monday.
A Kyodo News poll said Saturday that at least 10 of the 60 panel members surveyed favor proceeding with the tax hike to 8 percent from 5 percent next April, and to 10 percent in October 2015. Responses from 20 members had been obtained as of Saturday.
Some of the members who had not replied by Saturday represent corporate and labor sectors that see a need for the tax hike. The law enacted last August says the extra revenue is needed to cover swelling social security costs being driven by the inexorable expansion of the elderly population.