News

The Government has announced that the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is becoming responsible for delivering disability support services from October 2024.

The news comes following the release of a review of Whaikaha – the Ministry of Disabled People that the Minister for Disability Issues says found disability services are in a dire state with unsustainable spending and a lack of fairness and transparency around what support disabled people can access.

“We welcome all steps to improve the lives of people with disabilities,” says IHC Chief Executive Ralph Jones. “But will need to closely monitor this situation and talk with the people we support, their whānau, our staff and members as the implications of these changes unfold.

“We are heartened by the Government’s commitment to the visions and principles of Enabling Good Lives.”

While MSD becomes responsible for delivering disability services, Whaikaha will be upgraded from an agency hosted by MSD to a stand-alone government department responsible for leading work to improve the lives of disabled people through strategic policy advice, monitoring the effectiveness of services, education, and advocating for positive change.

The Government is implementing the seven recommendations from the review – including placing a freeze on current funding levels for residential facility-based care while further review is undertaken.

“A freeze on funding levels for residential facility-based care is a significant concern,” says Ralph Jones. “The disability sector has long been underfunded and providers were relying on price increases expected for 2024/25.”

“Our services will continue with our extraordinary workforce providing great support to people with intellectual disabilities throughout the country, but this is a situation we and other providers will be watching closely.”