While a temporary property tax deferment will undoubtedly help some, the NDP says Gordon Campbell's new steps to help homeowners is simply meant to defer voter unrest.

On Saturday, Campbell announced a two-year property tax deferment for eligible homeowners along with other steps to help residents through the global economic crisis.

NDP finance critic Bruce Ralston said the deferment does little to allay people's long-term fears.

"It does provide temporary relief but those taxes still have to be paid," he said. "What it does is help [Campbell] get by until the election. People won't suffer the psychological blow when they see their taxes and assessments in the spring, just before the election."

Ralston added that another cornerstone of Campbell's announcement - freezing property assessments at 2007 levels - remains a question mark.

"It's not clear what the impact will be on municipalities," Ralston, a former Surrey councillor, said. "It's a big step to move away from market values. The system has been based on market value for good reason."

Matt Kieltyka reports for Vancouver's 24 hours.