10. Hon DARREN HUGHES (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
As at 8 February 2011, how many reports had she requested regarding the cost of sending children to school, and what did these reports tell her?
Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health) Link to this
The Minister has requested numerous reports in her time as Minister of Education regarding the cost of sending children to school in the State sector. These have included reports around the costs of school transport, children with special needs, and also reports regarding integrated schools, private schools, and early childhood education. These reports show that there are numerous cost pressures in the public education system.
Hon Darren Hughes Link to this
What action will she take in response to a report from Mangere Budgeting and Family Support Services, which has seen a stream of families needing help with the costs of sending their children to school this year, particularly as the service saw many people who traditionally have been able to cope with school costs and are now struggling?
Most schools really do make an effort to try to keep these costs reasonable for parents. If parents are struggling, as some will be, I suggest that they talk to the school directly. The Ministry of Social Development may also be able to help.
Hon Darren Hughes Link to this
Has she sought any advice about what is causing the number of struggling families who are applying for the Work and Income school uniform grants, which the Minister has referred to, to have jumped by 70 percent since John Key’s Government came to power?
There is no doubt that the global financial crisis has put huge pressure on New Zealand families, and the start of the school year is always an expensive time for families. For those families who are having trouble, schools are able to assist when they have a number of other parents to support by making second-hand uniforms available. Similarly, the Ministry of Social Development is able to provide support.
Hon Darren Hughes Link to this
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I understand it is a bit difficult when a Minister is answering on behalf of another Minister, but my question asked whether the Minister has sought any advice about what was causing a certain set of circumstances. The Minister was not able to tell us whether it was something the Minister of Education was concerned enough about to seek advice on. If he does not have an answer—
Mr SPEAKERWhen answering the question the Minister expressed the view of what was causing it, and I am sure his views are based on advice. Ministers receive a range of advice.
Hon Darren Hughes Link to this
Does she believe it is reasonable for an east Auckland family to have to spend more than $800 on the basics for their 5-year-old’s first year at a public school, contributing to their cost of living pressures, at a time when prices are rising faster than wages?
It is not unusual for this to be an expensive time of the year, whatever the Government is. I must say it does sound very out of the ordinary that it should cost $800 for new expenses to get one’s kids equipped to go to a public school, but it is an expensive time of year. Schools do what they can to help. The Ministry of Social Development is able to help. It is the same sort of assistance that was able to be given when the previous Government was in office.