Govt funding cuts for at risk families
Anne Tolley MP
National Party Associate Welfare
Spokeswoman (CYF)
16 February 2007
Govt funding cuts for at risk families
Labour is talking up its achievements on child welfare despite an appalling record of child abuse statistics and cuts in funding this year for vital family support programmes, says National’s Associate Welfare spokeswoman, Anne Tolley.
CYF funding figures show Labour has made huge budget cuts to Family Wellbeing Services in recent years, dropping from $55 million in the 2004/05 financial year to just $38 million in the 2006/07 budget.
“Labour talks about making a difference to those children living in poverty and at risk of abuse, yet the Government’s action shows just the opposite.
“Funding for Family Wellbeing Services, vital in identifying and helping at risk families, has been cut by $17 million in the past two years.
“How many vulnerable children could that funding have helped?
“The release of the Unicef report clearly shows children in New Zealand are more at risk of abuse, neglect and poor health than children in any other developed country, yet the Labour Government has taken resources away from the problem.
“Labour must do more than just talk about improvements to child welfare – our children deserve action.”
ENDS