11. JO GOODHEW (National—Rangitata) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What plans does the Government have to support communities during the economic downturn?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
Last week I was pleased to announce that we are establishing the Community Response Fund as a short-term fund to respond to immediate pressures faced by critical social services. Up to $40 million will be available in the first year for communities to support services they need, with more available in year two.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
Yes, I have. An article in the New Zealand Herald titled “Social services welcome National’s Budget boost” said: “Social service agencies can hardly believe their luck after a National Government yesterday gave them more money for the coming year than the former Labour Government had planned, despite intense pressure to cut spending in the recession.” The Otago Daily Times said that voluntary organisations have welcomed this Government’s handouts to help them through the recession.
Tim MacindoeCould the Minister comment on the reaction of the non-governmental organisation sector to the announcement?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
Yes. I have had an extremely positive response from sector representatives. In particular, I have seen media releases from the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services that praise the Government for social services support. Relationship Services welcomes the new funding announcement. Barnardos welcomes the new Community Response Fund. Women’s Refuge said the Government’s plan to establish the new Community Response Fund is a “sensible measure to address the imminent impact of the recession.”
Hon Annette KingDid she create a $40 million emergency fund that provides only one-off funding to hide the fact she intends to cut over $210 million allocated to help fully fund the essential services of up to 800 community organisations; if not, will she give those groups her personal assurance today that they will receive the increases of up to 20 percent they were expecting in 2009 and 2010, as not to do so will mean a cut for those organisations?
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
I am very pleased to answer the question. This Government has brought forward $20 million on top of the $20 million that was available via Pathways to Partnership, because we understand that in this recession those social services desperately need the support now. They have an increase in demand and a decrease in the money coming in. I can assure the non-governmental organisations out there that the money from Pathways to Partnership is staying there. We are going to be working closely with them, as we have in the past, with this fund to discuss how to fund them and how to move forward in the future.