Action Against Poverty spokesman Alastair Russell, who deals with beneficiaries on a daily basis, says people are being denied rent and bond, advances, housing, food grants and money for essential household items, despite being entitled to them under law. There are massive discrepancies between what exists in legal entitlements in law and the policies and practices at Work and Income, he told NZ Newswire. He says the toxic culture which vilifies beneficiaries and makes it difficult for them to to get help stems from the governments welfare changes, rather than from the front-line staff. Mr Russell says frustrated clients do lash out on occasion, but what he typically sees is people who are in tears and desperate for help. Its absolutely regrettable that a tragedy has brought this matter to the public attention but what goes on on a daily basis at Work and Income offices is appalling, he said. MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT - GET OUT TO VOTE!!! #MobilizeNZ #Pledge2Vote
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 22:00:01 +0000