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Friday 29 May 2009

Cautious Budget helps secure support for social infrastructure

ComVoices, an independent network of more than 20 Tangata Whenua, and Community and Voluntary Sector organisations has welcomed the Government’s commitment to maintaining strong social infrastructure in Budget 2009.

Tina Reid, Executive Director of the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations (NZFVWO) said the Budget was unsurprisingly cautious but at least recognised the increased demand for community-led social services.

“It is vital to maintain social infrastructure during a recession. Sector organisations are a core part of delivering that infrastructure and there is a strong recognition of this in the Budget”, she said.

Ric Odom, Chief Executive of the YMCA said the Sector was looking forward to more detail on the $40 million Community Response Fund announced last week by Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

The Government engaged with Sector umbrella organisations during the Budget process. The umbrella organisations represent a large number of grassroots organisations around the country.

Kevin Haunui, General Manager of Funding Information Service (FIS), said: “It is pleasing the Government thought to seek engagement with the Sector, particularly around the Budget process.

“Although the Community and Voluntary Sector in New Zealand is huge ¬– the same size as the construction industry – our networks are strong and we have long established models of working together to deliver successful, value-based results.”

Robyn Scott, Executive Director of Philanthropy New Zealand said: “By working together with Social Development Minister Paula Bennett, we have gained Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases to social services contracts funded through the Ministry of Social Development, and ensured that Pathways to Partnership (P2P) funding will be maintained.

“The Minister is to be congratulated for her engagement thus far. We hope it will continue in a more formalised way, including looking at working through the future distribution mechanism for Pathway to Partnership funding,” Robyn said.

ENDS

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