Regions Hurt as Government Discards Social Services

The government’s appalling service approach to social services is ripping the heart out of community services and there is more damage to come, says New Zealand First Spokesperson for Social Development Darroch Ball.

As an example, a trust in Palmerston North that provides accommodation for vulnerable people has been forced to close through lack of funding, says Mr Ball.

“The Ministry of Social Development refused to renew its $39,000 grant for Shepherd’s Rest, then it was forced to seek Lotteries Commission funding but this has now now ceased without explanation. Twenty-one people are now without a home.

“We are losing organisations like this in our city and the National government is standing idly by while it happens,” says Mr Ball, who lives in Palmerston North.

“The National government has pushed the responsibility for our most needy on to charities without resourcing them.

“Heartland New Zealand relies on caring organisations like Shepherd’s Rest to fill the gap.

“The Ministry of Social Development needs to explain why they have stopped these services without having an alternative. They should just fund the paltry $20,000 that is needed by Shepherds Rest Trust to give these people a bed,” says Mr Ball.

“The push by government to dump social problems onto the private groups is a dereliction of its duty of responsibility to all citizens.”

ENDS

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