Hardship grants rising demonstrates why the baseline benefit needs to increase, Green Co-leader Marama Davidson said today.
Hardship grants rising demonstrates why the baseline benefit needs to increase, Green Co-leader Marama Davidson said today.
“We need to put the heart back into our social support system. This means providing support for New Zealanders so they can live with dignity.
“New Zealanders understand that the cost of housing and rent has gone through the roof in recent years. It’s time that we also recognised the impact this has on our poorest families.
“I recently attended the opening of the most recent local community food cupboard, it shows that increasingly New Zealanders are struggling to pay for the basics.
“Compassion demands that we respond to the increase in living costs by increasing social support so people can afford decent housing whilst also covering food and bills.
“At the moment that isn’t the case, and hardship grants are increasing.
“As part of our Confidence and Supply Agreement with Labour, we negotiated an overhaul of the welfare system.
“To the Green Party, this should at a minimum mean that the baseline benefit is enough to live with dignity rather than in destitution.
“We will continue to argue for an increase to the baseline benefit as the consultation period by the Welfare Expert Advisory Group is carried out.
“We also want to see and increase the amount people can earn before their benefit is cut, as well as remove financial penalties and excessive sanctions for people receiving benefits, so that all New Zealanders live with dignity”.
Latest Social Development Announcements
Story
Government clears the way to automate decisions about people's survival
Story
National’s public housing reform ‘cuts costs’ at the expense of our most vulnerable
Story
Government legalises debts for survivors of sexual violence and abuse in state care
Story
Another blow to young people as unemployment reaches near nine-year high
Story
Govt for the rich failing unemployed New Zealanders
Story