June 06, 2024
Funding cuts alarm social agencies
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The chief executive of Social Service Providers Association -Te Pai Ora is describing the Budget as a mixed bag for children and families.
Belinda Himiona says there was some investment in disable people and a continuation of the school luch programme, even if it is as a reduced scale.
The proposed shift to a social investment aproach could lead to more community-based service provision for Māori, but the big money went to law and order and Corrections.
“We’ve also seen some signalling of ongoing reductions and savings targets for some agencies. Oranga Tamariki has signalled a $30 million a year reducion in contracting and service costs and that is frontline services that are currently being provided in communities so I think we’re worried families won’t be able to get what they need and it has created a lot of uncertainty in the sector,” Ms Himiona says.
She wants to see a strong focus on Māori procurement so goverment understands and adequately funds the mahi Māori providers do.