Council funding halved for Christchurch's Citizens Advice Bureau
Funding cuts are forcing Christchurch's Citizens Advice Bureau to consider scaling back its services.
Three years ago the Christchurch City Council funded about 35 percent of its annual budget, however that funding is now half of what it once was. The organisation aimed to help people with a range of issues, including legal problems, employment issues, family disputes and tenancy concerns. The council itself refers people to the service.
Bureau chairperson Neil Lancaster said if funding cuts continued, the organisation would have to scale back its programmes.
"We appreciate the funding restraints that exist for the Christchurch City Council at the moment," he said.
"But I guess our worry is that on one hand they class us a priority one community group, but at the same time they have halved our funding.
The organisation wanted to expand in the city's east, but that might not be possible.
They operated a "face-to-face" service in Eastgate Mall, as part of a group of similar community groups, and could now only afford to be there once a week.
"If our funding had stayed the same, we could be looking at offering a service there three days a week," he said.
There was strong demand for the bureau's service in the city's east, Mr Lancaster said.
"Sometimes we would go along there about half an hour before we start and there could be two or three people waiting."
RNZ News has approached the Christchurch City Council for comment.
"www.radionz.co.nz...
💡 Lightbulb Moment! Solve This Tricky Riddle 🔥
I mark the end, yet I'm not always last,
Ignored some years, then gone so fast.
I stand my ground, but with one small twist,
I vanish away—like I never exist.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Show us what you've been up to...
Brighten our day, and show us a glimpse into your world, neighbours.
We'd love to see some of the photos you've taken lately or any craft/DIY projects you're working on.
Simply add a photo below 📷🌅 🌻
Poll: Is street parking fair game?
Some people are frustrated by their neighbours or neighbour's friends parking on the street outside their house. This means they have to park further away themselves.
Do you think it is inconsiderate to park directly outside a neighbour's house on the road? Or do you think street parking is fair game?
Share your thoughts below.
-
66.7% Yes, street parks belong to no one
-
31.2% No, it's inconsiderate
-
2.1% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
