Wednesday 13 June

Council and Wellington Citizens Advice Bureau agree future partnership

Wellington City Council and the Wellington Citizens Advice Bureau (WelCAB) have agreed on a collaborative course of action in which the two parties could enter a three-year contract being considered at the City Strategy Committee meeting tomorrow.

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester says there have been a number of meetings between the two organisations over the last two weeks, and that the outcome is one that both parties can get behind.

“WelCAB has a long history in Wellington, and is an institution that we hold in high regard. Equally, the Council has had a long relationship with WelCAB and it is our intention to make sure the organisation has the best chance of continuing to deliver for Wellingtonians. I’m a strong supporter of WelCAB and the good work they do.”

Under the proposal, WelCAB would continue to receive its current funding of $210,787 in the first year. Funding for years two and three will be determined by a review process. The recommendation amendment will be put before the City Strategy Committee meeting tomorrow.

WelCAB area manager Lucy Trevelyan says the proposed agreement will give the organisation the opportunity to carve a path forward.

“Over the last two weeks, we have met numerous times with the Mayor, Councillors and Council officials and we have gotten to a point where we are all on the same page.

“When the future of your organisation relies on grants in order to provide services to the community, it’s important to have as much certainty as possible. The new plan will give us the space to consider how CAB can continue to best deliver for the needs of Wellingtonians going forward.”

Councillor Brian Dawson, Social Development portfolio lead, says CAB has always done good work.

“But we’ve agreed it’s in everyone’s best interests to review how it delivers its services,” he says.

“It’s important the review is done properly, which is why it will take some time. Council officers and CAB will report back to the Council in the first quarter of 2019.

"This will be a collaborative process. We will need to identify any gaps in existing services and explore ways to fill these gaps. We want to try and make sure youth, refugees, social housing tenants and those in areas of need such as Strathmore and Linden will be covered by services," adds Councillor Dawson.

Trevelyan says they are pleased the Council has agreed to the proposal to continue funding for the good work the volunteers do.

“It is good the Council recognises the need for CAB to continue its work. We are confident we can come up with a plan to satisfy everybody.

“Securing the proposed funding for the first year is good news for our volunteers, and would ensure those in the community needing support would continue to get it.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media