A Wellington budgeting service has had its government funding pulled, despite its manager saying they are "busier than ever" as people struggle with high interest rates and the cost of living.
It comes as the Ministry of Social Development reviews its contracts with budgeting services.
It’s understood other providers across the country have had their funding cut.
The Wellington Budget Service, run in conjunction with the Citizens Advice Bureau, is staffed predominantly by volunteers but requires funding to pay for a part-time manager and office and IT equipment.
It has been funded by MSD since 2017. Last year it received $77,000.
Manager David Cameron told Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills that without funding, it’s possible the service could close.
“We’re very disappointed, there is a lot of need out there at the moment.”
The service saw around 470 people last year, and demand has grown 60% since the beginning of 2024.
Cameron says clients are often deep in debt, or struggling with their mortgage.
The organisation helps clients create budgets and negotiates debt payments directly with creditors. All services are free.
“There are other budgeting services in Wellington, but we’re all very busy. Other services refer some of their clients to us.
“We expect we’ll start to see a few more people as the cuts to the public service start to kick in."
In a statement, MSD’s general manager safe strong families and communities Mark Henderson said the Ministry had recently completed a procurement process for budgeting providers across the country.
The total funding available was reduced as a result of a Covid-19-specific fund for budgeting services expiring.
But the Wellington Budget Service was funded prior to Covid-19. After further questions, Henderson referred to a general procurement process.
“Preferred providers have been identified following a robust procurement process and unfortunately Wellington Citizens Advice bureau were unsuccessful.
“We recognise there is a continuing need for support in Wellington and will ensure that [budgeting] services continue to be provided in the region.”
MSD confirmed the cuts were not part of the Government’s directive to reduce expenditure.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Popular Podcasts
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.