Welfare Minister said Subsidies’ withdrawal is “a question of justice”.

Alicia Kirchner considered the withdrawal of subsidies affecting utility service rates for wealthy city customers  ruled by the government to be implemented as from the beginning of 2012 a "fair" measure .

The official said that subsidies must benefit those in need while the rest must pay the right price for the utiility service, be it light, water or gas.

Alicia Kirchner added that the withdrawal of subsidies will contribute with the expansion of  infrastructure so that more people will be integrated to the  systems.

In the case of neighbourhoods such as  Puerto Madero, Barrio Parque, Recoleta-isla, where the most expensive houses are to be found as well as the gated communities of the suburbs, the government determined that as from last January 1st, the utility rates would be paid free from any subsidy whatsoever.

For those customers who can not afford subsidy withdrawal, there is the possibility of filling up a form or affidavit at an official office and be elligible for the subsidy.

The form must be completed by stating the 12 reasons that make payment without subsidy unaffordable.