Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
MP for Maungakiekie

16 April 2012 Media Statement

82 Submissions Received On Welfare Reform

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, MP for Maungakiekie and chairman of the Social Services Select Committee, confirmed 82 submissions were received on the Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill.

“Submissions closed at 5pm on Friday, 13 April and I am pleased with the public’s response to this process,” says Mr Lotu-Iiga.

The Social Services Select Committee will meet in Wellington on Thursday 19 April and Friday 20 April to consider the submissions. 34 of which will be heard orally, with some to be heard via teleconference.

“I thank the public for engaging in the select committee process and we look forward to hearing what they have to say on these important areas of reform,” says Mr Lotu-Iiga.

The reforms address 3 comprehensive areas:
1. The introduction of a new system of income support for young people (the Youth Package) including provision for external contractors to provide wrap-around services to these young people.
2. Providing support to youth aged 16 and 17 years who may need help to prevent them from coming on to benefit when they turn 18, and information sharing to allow identification of these young people.
3. Strengthening work availability expectations and work preparation requirements for sole parents, widows, women alone, and partners of people receiving a main benefit.

The committee intends to report back to the House by 31 May 2012.

ENDS

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