budget 2000: Trust in Government and strong social services

The Government has moved already to restore the 65 percent wage relativity for New Zealand Superannuation, lower the cost of student loans and restore income-related rentals for low income state house tenants. These were all key policy commitments and we are determined to rebuild faith in the political process. We are also committed to rebuilding the capacity of the public sector.

Health

 $412 million more to health in the coming year.
 Additional funding of $257.4 million over four years for mental health.
 A $74 million increase each year for the next four years for elective surgery.
 $10 million annually over next four years for disability support services.
 $20 million over the next four years for Mäori smoking cessation initiatives.

Housing

 $257.6 million over 2000/01 to 20002/03 to fund the restoration of income-related rentals. More than 40,000 households will get increased assistance averaging around $40 a week. (also included in Closing the gaps headsheet)
 $357.7 million in capital costs over 2000/01 to 2002/03 to maintain state housing stock and increase it over time in areas of high demand.
 $28.7 in 2000/01 to Community Housing Limited to buy and modify 120 new properties.

Social Welfare

 $36 million in 2000/01 increasing to approximately $40 million by 20003/04 for the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services.
 The standard $5 deduction from the Special Benefit to cease from 1 July. [Announced 25 May]
 Childcare subsidy hours raised in 2000/01. [Announced 25 May]

Law and Order

 $22.12 million in 2000/01, increasing to $23.56 million in 2002/03 and out years to reduce youth offending.
 $3.234 million increase in funding each year to Police for youth justice initiatives.
 $4.955 million over the next three years for restorative justice. [Announced 11 June]
 $14.18 million over the next three years to crack down on burglary. [Announced 6 June]
 $5.701 million over three years for the Victims' Rights Package. [Announced 12 June]
 $27 million in 1999-00 and $52 million in each of the following years to maintain a high-quality Police service and to compensate Police for reductions in other revenue.
 $152 million over four years for road safety. [Announced 8 June]

Corrections

 $4.245 million extra each year for prison education services. [Announced 16 May]
 Additional $905,000 each year for Tikanga Mäori programmes. [Announced 16 May]

 $400,000 increase each year for the Ministry of Women's Affairs to maintain long-term policy capability. [Announced 29 May]
 $455,000 to assist the voluntary sector to celebrate the United Nations' International Year of Volunteers. [Announced 25 May]
 $1.125 million a year to not-for-profit organisations providing family violence prevention services.

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