Services:

• Older People
• Youth, Children & Families
• Mental Health
• Elder Care Canterbury

A different take on the tax debate                         

Christchurch social service agencies urge voters to remember the broader issues and responsibilities of being part of the community.

“As not-for-profit social-service organisations that rely daily on the goodwill of the public, we know that many Cantabrians have a generosity of spirit, compassion and social concern for the most vulnerable and fragile members of the community,” says Vaughan Milner, CEO of Presbyterian Support Upper South Island, on behalf local social service agencies the Anglican City Mission and Family and Community Division, Catholic Social Services, and Presbyterian Support Upper South Island.

“The current pre-election posturing over tax, like the campaign to make poverty history, is symptomatic of an important underlying issue – how does the community share its resources so that people feel their effort is worthwhile and their ability to participate in everyday life is enhanced?”

The group feels the tax debate reflects an increasing sentiment that people feel left out of their fair share of the economic resource split. “As social service agencies, we see parallels with societal behaviour, stress and distress that indicate many unheard people are also feeling left out and disconnected from society.

“Record levels of child abuse, widespread domestic violence, binge drinking by youth, text bullying in primary schools, increasing incidences of depression, and increasing instances of isolation and loneliness amongst the elderly – these are some of the signals social workers and counsellors are seeing every day. Despair is easy to find. As agencies concerned about making society a better place we urge the politicians and thinking New Zealanders to broaden the political focus. Let’s talk about restoration of our sense of community, connectedness and belonging in the complex and diverse society that is New Zealand today. In a fair society the redistribution of income should improve the sense of community as well as individual financial situations.”

The group believes the medium-term effects of low wages, constantly rising petrol costs, increasing power costs, underfunding of residential and community-based aged care services, and the importance of affordable housing go far deeper than the narrow electioneering focus on tax cuts.

“Thinking Cantabrians will acknowledge that households of any size who pay 40% or more of their income in rent are on a fast track to poverty and social isolation. The food bank queues and high poverty levels of the late 1990s and early 21^st Century are proof of that, which is still fresh.

“Where in the current campaign is there any indication of a serious effort to increase access to affordable energy-efficient houses for low-income NZers?” Mr Milner asks. “Instead we have the spectre of reintroducing market rentals for state houses.”

The group also believes any proposal to pass the accommodation supplement direct to landlords should be accompanied by a requirement that landlords sign up to minimum standards to provide safe, damp free, insulated and well maintained rental housing that offers value for money.

“What action is being taken to address the escalation of electricity costs, an essential item for households with young children or the frail elderly,” Mr Milner asks. “Our social workers already visit far too many older people who are huddled in blankets and coats, or staying in bed to keep warm.

“Tax cuts and the working for families tax relief package ignore those who are unable to work or who have no choice other than to be at home with their children. There is a seeming political callousness and acceptance that this group will be living at third world levels.

“Christchurch agencies are deeply concerned about the need for a political and public focus on policies that alleviate poverty, improve access to affordable accommodation and enable all members of the community the opportunity to belong and participate.”