22 June 2015

Community groups told to expect more cuts

Community organisations will be worried following the Government’s announcement of funding cuts in the sector, says Labour’s Community and Voluntary sector spokesperson Poto Williams.

“Speaking at a meeting in Christchurch today, Ministry for Social Development CEO Murray Edridge warned that programmes would be cut following an upcoming spending review by the Ministry.

“This follows Minister Anne Tolley announcing at the weekend the Government was looking to privatise even more social services.

“National has consistently underfunded social services, especially those delivered by community and voluntary organisations.

“Groups tasked with looking after our most vulnerable have been stretched thinner and thinner, and now face a new round of cuts. These cuts could push some providers over the edge and force them to close.

“Rather than make sure these vital organisations have the resources they need to do the job, National is now telling them to brace for further funding cuts and talking about moving their functions to private companies looking to make a profit.

“This is just further proof of how mixed up this Government’s priorities are. They would rather indulge in radical privatisation than make a real effort to protect people in need,” says Poto Williams.

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