11. KATRINA SHANKS (National) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What recent reports has she received on the Community Response Fund?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
I have seen a report that shows that 19 regional forums will have been held by the end of this week. One forum attracted over 300 people. To date, information has been distributed to over 1,500 people and organisations, and in 1 week 2,500 had accessed information from the website. The evidence speaks for itself. The National Government listens to the needs of the non-government sector and takes action.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
This is an opportunity to go on record and clear up some of the myths out there. Non-governmental organisations will be able to access up to $50,000 in one funding round, and for exceptional cases up to $100,000. There will be three rounds per year, and organisations will be able to apply more than once. Applications for the fund can be made at any time.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
There has been a huge sense of relief that the funding promised under the Pathways to Partnership will stay within the social services sector, and, yes, this Government will deliver it differently. The Government has already started talking with the sector about how we will move forward together, and in particular how the sector can ensure a high degree of alignment of services and not duplication.
Hon Annette KingWhat is the Minister’s reaction to the Women’s Refuge, which has said that the change to Pathways to Partnership in favour of the Community Response Fund is a backward step, that baseline funding is now in a shaky position, and that the Minister’s policy puts rural and isolated communities further at risk?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
I would certainly encourage them to apply to the fund. But let me also put forward Mr Murray Edridge, who has said: “We are very pleased the Government has acknowledged that the demand on social services in the community … is increasing”. Let me also put forward Trevor McGlinchey, from the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services, who has said that prior to the recession, providers of social services were already expressing that concern. There has been such a huge outcry from non-governmental organisations, which are extremely grateful for this funding.