Fall in suspensions

WELLINGTON: The number of people whose benefits are suspended or cancelled each day has dropped by more than a fifth in just a matter of weeks, Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says.

Last month, the Government made a change to Work and Income’s policy so any decision to suspend a benefit had to be approved by a second seniorlevel person.

That extra level of scrutiny has resulted in the number of benefits being suspended each day dropping from just over 100 to about 80.

Ms Sepuloni was not surprised by the drop.

She said it showed how important it was to change the process.

‘‘I think having an authorised person who signs off to ensure that the right decision is being made is the responsible and sensible thing to do.

‘‘I’m really glad that, to date, we’re seeing positive results from that.’’

Ms Sepuloni said it was clear changes were needed to the rules around benefit suspensions.

She said this was just one small step in the Government’s plan to overhaul the welfare system.

A panel has been set up to advise the Government on it and any major changes would have to wait until after the panel reports back early next year.

Ms Sepuloni did not rule out making smaller changes before then, where warranted. — RNZ