Vote Social Development - Social Services and Community Sector - Estimates 2020/21

Vote Social Development#

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Overview of the Vote#

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The Minister for Social Development is responsible for the appropriations in Vote Social Development for the 2020/21 financial year covering the following:

• A total of over $16,346 million on payments of New Zealand Superannuation.
• A total of over $7,905 million on payments for the working age benefits - Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support and Supported Living Payment.
• A total of nearly $880 million to support those in receipt of a benefit to heat their homes in winter - Winter Energy Payment.
• A total of over $811 million on improved employment and social outcomes support.
• A total of over $667 million on payments to assist people to obtain a qualification including Student Allowances, Study Scholarships and Awards and Family Start/NGO awards.
• A total of over $637 million on payments for non-recoverable hardship assistance, transitional assistance, entering or remaining in the workforce assistance and special circumstance assistance.
• A total of over $501 million on advances of benefits and other recoverable payments to assist with hardship.
• A total of over $437 million on financial assistance for childcare, care of unsupported children and extraordinary care fund.
• A total of over $419 million on disability assistance.
• A total of nearly $199 million on community support services.
• A total of over $120 million on purchasing services from non-governmental organisation service providers and Crown entities.
• A total of over $97 million for departmental capital expenditure.
• A total of nearly $80 million on the provision of debt write-downs to achieve accurate valuations of outstanding Crown debt in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice.
• A total of nearly $68 million on corporate support services mainly providing services to Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children under a shared services agreement.
• A total of nearly $66 million on income support and assistance to seniors and administration of service cards.
• A total of nearly $64 million on payments supporting youth who are not able to live at home and payments to provide financial support to young parents.
• A total of over $53 million on prevention programmes to minimise errors and fraud of the benefit system and services for investigation and collection of overpayments and fraudulent payments.
• A total of nearly $47 million on social policy advice, and data, analytics and evidence services.
• A total of over $42 million on historic claims resolution.
• A total of nearly $20 million on management of student support.
• A total of over $10 million on supporting equitable pay for care and support workers.
• A total of over $10 million on establishment and operation of an independent monitoring and assurance function of the Oranga Tamariki system.
• A total of over $6 million on planning, correspondence and monitoring.
• A total of nearly $2 million on place-based initiatives - South Auckland Social Wellbeing Board.
• A total of nearly $1 million on place-based initiatives - Tairawhiti local leadership.
• A total of nearly $1 million on implementation and operation of the mandatory registration of social workers.
• A total of $250,000 on a Children's Commissioner capital injection.

The Minister for Social Development is also responsible for a capital injection of over $48 million to the Ministry of Social Development.

The Minister of Housing is responsible for appropriations in the Vote for the 2020/21 financial year covering the following:

• A total of over $2,607 million on accommodation assistance.
• A total of nearly $62 million on services to support people to access accommodation.
• A total of over $7 million on housing support assistance for those in need to access or retain housing solutions.
• A total of $4 million on reimbursement to tenants of income related rent overpayments.
• A total of nearly $3 million on an emergency housing support package.

The Minister for Youth is responsible for an appropriation in the Vote for the 2020/21 financial year covering the following:

• A total of nearly $11 million on partnering for youth development.

The Minister of Revenue is responsible for appropriations in the Vote for the 2020/21 financial year covering the following:

• A total of over $1,648 million on payments for student loans.
• A total of nearly $20 million for management of student loans.

The Minister for Disability Issues is responsible for an appropriation in the Vote for the 2020/21 financial year covering the following:

• A total of over $7 million on promoting positive outcomes for disabled people.

The Minister for Veterans is responsible for appropriations in the Vote for the 2020/21 financial year covering the following:

• A total of over $134 million on payments of Veterans' Pension.
• A total of $684,000 for processing of Veterans' Pensions.

The Minister for Seniors is responsible for appropriations in the Vote for the 2020/21 financial year covering the following:

• A total of nearly $2 million on the enhancement and promotion of SuperGold Cards.
• A total of over $1 million on promoting positive outcomes for seniors.

Details of these appropriations are set out in Parts 2-4.

Details of Appropriations and Capital Injections#

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Annual Appropriations and Forecast Permanent Appropriations#

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Multi-Year Appropriations#

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Total Annual Appropriations and Forecast Permanent Appropriations and Multi-Year Appropriations#

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Capital Injection Authorisations#

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Supporting Information#

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Part 1 - Vote as a Whole#

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1.1 - New Policy Initiatives#

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1.2 - Trends in the Vote#

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Summary of Financial Activity

Note - where restructuring of the vote has occurred then, to the extent practicable, prior years information has been restated as if the restructuring had occurred before the beginning of the period covered. In this instance Total Appropriations for the Budgeted and Estimated Actual year may not equal Total Annual Appropriations and Forecast Permanent Appropriations and Multi-Year Appropriations in the Details of Appropriations and Capital Injections.

1.3 - Analysis of Significant Trends#

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Output Expenses

The output expenses trend increased from 2016/17 to 2017/18 which was mainly related to the Ministry providing a full year of corporate support services to Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children, which was established from 1 April 2017 ($61.629 million). 

The output expenses trend increases from 2018/19 to 2019/20 mainly due to reforecasting of Historic Claims expenditure ($22.669 million), new funding initiatives in 2019/20 for preventing and reducing homelessness ($19.500 million), Ministry remuneration cost pressures ($8.345 million), improving outcomes for Children in State Care through independent monitoring ($7.659 million), the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) study ($6.642 million), maintaining services by addressing inflationary and demand pressures in technology and accommodation ($6.490 million), increasing case management at the Frontline ($3.110 million), improving financial wellbeing through the SuperGold Card ($3.040 million), support for essential social sector services and communities as a result of COVID-19 ($3 million) and a transfer of funding in 2019/20 from Multi-Category Expenses to output expenses for data, analytics work in 2019/20 ($8.468 million). 

The trend increases from 2019/20 to 2020/21 mainly due to an increase of funding for Historic Claims ($13.708 million) and new funding for keeping community-based services open for disabled people ($5.166 million).

The trend decreases from 2020/21 to 2021/22 mainly due to a revised forecast of expenditure for Historic Claims ($8.503 million). The trend then decreases from 2021/22 to 2022/23 mainly due to time-limited Historic Claims funding ending in 2021/22 ($33.968 million).

The trend decreases from 2022/23 to 2023/24 mainly due to time-limited funding for preventing and reducing homelessness ending in 2022/23 ($19.740 million).

Other Expenses

The fluctuating trend for Non-departmental Other Expenses was due to changing levels of debt write-downs from 2015/16 to 2018/19. Debt write-downs are impacted by both changing levels of outstanding social benefit debt and the interest rates used to calculate the debt write-down provision. The other expenses trend increases on a massive scale from 2018/19 to 2019/20 mainly due to the funding of the COVID-19 business support subsidy scheme ($12 billion) and the COVID-19 leave payment schemes ($226.500 million) in 2019/20. The other expenses baseline trend returns to normal levels from 2020/21 onwards.

Non-Departmental Capital Expenditure

The majority (75% to 90%) of Non-departmental Capital Expenditure is for Student Loans with about 60% of expenditure occurring in the first four months of each calendar year when course fees are paid. Expenditure decreased from $1,610 million in 2015/16 to $1,459 million in 2018/19 with the introduction of the 'Fees Free' policy for new first year students creating a large reduction in 2018. Expenditure is expected to increase from $1,458 million in 2019/20 to $1,681 million in 2021/22 due to an increase in student numbers as the weaker labour market sees more people seeking study. Expenditure is then expected to fall to $1,604 million by 2023/24 as the economy recovers and student numbers decline.

The Recoverable Assistance item makes up nearly all of the remainder of Non-departmental Capital Expenditure (from 2019/20 there is a fixed $1 million item for recoverable housing support products). Recoverable Assistance expenditure increased by $33 million (21%) between 2015/16 and 2016/17, in line with the provision of assistance for housing costs, to reach $185 million in 2016/17. This rising trend continued over the next two years along with broad increases in housing related costs (rent arrears, bonds, bedding, furniture) and car repairs, with expenditure reaching $277 million in 2018/19. Expenditure is expected to reach $360 million in 2019/20, rising further to $501 million in 2020/21 due to an increasing number of benefit recipients and continued rising demand for hardship assistance. Expenditure is then expected to fall over the remaining three years reaching $445 million by 2023/24 in line with falling main benefit numbers.

Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure

The Multi-Category Expenses and Capital Expenditure (MCA) expense had an increase from 2017/18 to 2018/19 which was mainly related to funding for new policy initiatives in 2018/19. This included the administration of the Families Package ($12.202 million), stabilising and strengthening the delivery of family and sexual violence services ($11.981 million), increased funding for availability and resilience of the Ministry's Information Technology (IT) systems and frontline tools ($11.805 million), remuneration cost pressures for the Ministry ($9.690 million), interim frontline security measures ($9.145 million), the Youth Health and Wellbeing Survey ($2 million) and intensive client support service ($1.955 million). 

The trend increases significantly from 2018/19 to 2019/20 mainly due to increased funding for family and sexual violence services ($29.606 million). There is also new funding for Ministry remuneration cost pressures ($16.943 million), support for essential social services and communities as a result of COVID-19 ($14.365 million), safety and security for clients and staff ($11.771 million), the Mana in Mahi employment programme ($10.835 million), maintaining services by addressing inflationary and demand pressures in technology and accommodation ($10.753 million), improving employment and other outcomes for disabled people and people with health conditions ($9.279 million), increasing case management at the frontline ($7.919 million) and administration funding for response to COVID-19 ($6.557 million).

There is another significant increase from 2019/20 to 2020/21 with additional funding for sexual violence services ($13.424 million), new funding for family violence specialist services ($19.500 million), support for essential social services and communities as a result of COVID-19 ($6.435 million) and additional administration funding for response to COVID-19 ($5.752 million).

There is a decrease from 2020/21 to 2021/22 which is mainly due to a reduction in funding for disabled people and people with health conditions ($6.944 million), safety and security for clients and staff ($5.948 million), time limited funding for Kickstart and KidsCan ($1.550 million) and administration response to COVID-19 ($12.309 million).

The trend then increases from 2021/22 to 2022/23 mainly due to additional funding for community services ($15.676 million).

Non-Departmental Benefits or Related Expenses

Expenditure in Vote Social Development BoRE increased by $3,531 million (18%) from $19,548 million in 2015/16 to $23,079 million in 2018/19.

New Zealand Superannuation accounts for the majority of total BoRE expenditure, with this proportion rising from 63% in 2015/16 to 65% in 2017/18, before falling to 63% in 2018/19 as Winter Energy Payment and other Families Package spending occurred. Expenditure on New Zealand Superannuation as a proportion of total BoRE spending is expected to fall to 54% by 2020/21 before rising to 61% by 2023/24.

The main drivers of expected growth in total BoRE spending between 2019/20 and 2023/24 are the increasing number of superannuitants, higher numbers of main benefit recipients, and adjustments to New Zealand Superannuation and main benefit payment rates in line with growth in average wages.

Accommodation Assistance

The Accommodation Assistance appropriation was transferred from Vote Social Development to Vote Social Housing from 1 July 2017. Funding for the Emergency Housing Special Needs Grants was transferred to this appropriation from Hardship Assistance within Vote Social Development from 1 July 2018. The Accommodation Assistance appropriation was transferred back to Vote Social Development from 1 October 2018. All amounts quoted in this section include Emergency Housing - Special Needs Grants from its inception in 2016/17.

Expenditure increased by $476 million (41%) from $1,164 million in 2015/16 to $1,640 million in 2018/19, with a significant increase occurring in April 2018 following an increase to maximum weekly payment rates and changes to area definitions. Expenditure is expected to increase by $296 million (18%) to $1,936 million in 2019/20. This is due to an increase in the uptake of Accommodation Supplement and higher average payment rates.

By 2020/21 expenditure is estimated to be $2,607 million, the growth driven mostly by the increase in uptake of Accommodation Supplement as the effects of COVID-19 hit the New Zealand and global economies, while higher payment rates further contribute to the increase. Expenditure is expected to decrease to $2,367 million by 2023/24, as the number of people receiving benefits decrease as the economy recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.

The number of people receiving Accommodation Supplement typically follows the trends of main benefits (Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support and Supported Living Payment) and New Zealand Superannuation. The number of people rose from an average of 292,200 in 2015/16 to 295,200 in 2018/19.

The number is expected to increase to 321,700 in 2019/20 due to the rise in Jobseeker Support recipients. The number of people is then expected to increase further to 431,400 in 2020/21, mainly due to the impacts of COVID-19 on main benefits which will flow through to an increase in Accommodation Supplement. The number of people is then expected to fall to 362,300 by 2023/24 as the New Zealand economy recovers from COVID-19 and main benefit numbers reduce.

Jobseeker Support and Emergency Benefit

Expenditure rose by $183 million (11%) between 2015/16 and 2018/19 to $1,854 million. This is mainly driven by the increase in the average number of people from 2017/18 to 2018/19 where numbers grew 7% from 129,200 to 138,700.

Expenditure for this appropriation is expected to increase by $519 million (28%) between 2018/19 and 2019/20, reaching $2,373 million. This is due to an increase in the number of people as the economy was slightly softer than expected in 2019/20 and the initial effects of COVID-19 occurring from late 2019/20. These impacts are reflected by a 27,500 (20%) increase in the number of people during that period to 166,200. The $25 increase to payment rates from April 2020 as part of the COVID-19 Recovery Package further contributes to the increase in expenditure.

From 2019/20 to 2020/21 expenditure is expected to increase by $2,148 million (91%) to $4,521 million. This is the effect of the expected number of people increasing 78% from an average of 166,200 people to 296,600 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a full 12 months of the $25 increase to rates and wage indexation of the payment rates also contributing.

Expenditure is expected to decrease from $4,521 million in 2020/21 to $2,951 million in 2023/24 as the average number of people falls 39% from 296,600 to 180,000 as the economic conditions improve.

New Zealand Superannuation

Expenditure increased by $2,295 million (19%) from $12,267 million in 2015/16 to $14,562 million in 2018/19. Expenditure is expected to increase by a further $3,467 million (22%), from $15,516 million in 2019/20 to $18,983 million in 2023/24. Annual inflation adjustments and adjustments for growth in average wages typically account for between 40% and 50% of total annual changes in expenditure on New Zealand Superannuation.

The number of people on New Zealand Superannuation grew by 76,000 people (11%) between 2015/16 and 2018/19 to an average of 767,000. The number of people is expected to continue to grow, reaching an average of 901,100 by 2023/24.

Over the full nine-year period spanning 2015/16 to 2023/24, expenditure is expected to increase by $6,716 million (55%); this reflects both the number of people being expected to increase by 210,000 (30%), as well as accumulated inflation and wage adjustments.

Sole Parent Support

The number of people on Sole Parent Support decreased by around 8,500 (13%) between 2015/16 and 2018/19 from an average of 67,500 to 59,000. This reduction was not fully reflected in expenditure, as the Sole Parent Support payment rate increased according to cost of living adjustments each April, and by a further $25 per week in April 2016 under the Child Material Hardship Package. Expenditure for this appropriation decreased by $38 million (3%) from $1,153 million in 2015/16 to $1,115 million in 2018/19.

Expenditure is expected to grow by $442 million (36%) from $1,235 million in 2019/20 to $1,677 million in 2023/24. This is mainly due to an expected increase in the average number of people by 9,400 from 60,800 in 2019/20 to 70,200 in 2023/24, with a peak of 74,500 in 2021/22 as economic growth deteriorates and then improves. The $25 increase to the payment rates from April 2020 implemented as part of the COVID-19 Recovery Package and the wage indexation of payment rates will also contribute to this growth.

Supported Living Payment

Expenditure increased by $33 million (2%) from $1,523 million in 2015/16 to $1,556 million in 2018/19 due to inflation adjustments and the $25 increase under the Child Material Hardship Package for those Supported Living Payment beneficiaries with children. Partly offsetting this was a decrease in the average number of people, which fell by 2,400 people (2%) from 97,600 in 2015/16 to 95,100 in 2018/19.

Expenditure for this appropriation is expected to increase by $386 million (23%) from $1,645 million in 2019/20 to $2,031 million in 2023/24. The $25 increase to the payment rates from April 2020 implemented as part of the COVID-19 Recovery Package and wage indexation of the payment rates contribute to the majority of this growth.

The average number of people is expected to increase by 6,900 (7%) from 95,900 in 2019/20 to 102,800 in 2023/24.

1.4 - Reconciliation of Changes in Appropriation Structure#

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Establishment of Historic Claims Resolution MYA from 1 July 2020 to allow for the resolving of claims of people under 18 years of age. The existing Historic Claims MYA is restricted to resolving claims to people 18 years and over.

Explanations of the reasons for changing the appropriation structure are noted in the details of each appropriation in Parts 2-4.

Part 2 - Details of Departmental Appropriations#

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2.1 - Departmental Output Expenses#

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Administration of Service Cards (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve financial assistance to low income New Zealanders and older people by the accurate and timely assessment and issuing of discount service cards.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

The following information is provided for context only

The Ministry has commenced consultation on a new learning and continuous improvement operating model. This review focuses on how quality could be observed in future with less focus on retrospective checking, shifting towards increased observational coaching, real-time assessment and an end-to-end view of a client's engagement with the Ministry. As changes are made, the Ministry will look to develop measures that reflect the quality of client experience more fully than the current accuracy and timeliness measures.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has decreased by $193,000 to $5.738 million for 2020/21. This is mainly due to one-off increase of $200,000 to meet changes in cost drivers in 2019/20 resulting in a decrease in funding in 2020/21.

Corporate Support Services (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve quality and efficient corporate support services.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s.15D(1) of the PFA, as this appropriation relates exclusively to outputs supplied by the Ministry of Social Development to one or more other departments.

The following information is provided for context only

The Ministry provides a range of purchased and transitional services to Oranga Tamariki, the Social Investment Agency, the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development, and Office of the Children's Commission. Services provided vary by agency and can include services such as Information Technology, Finance, Human Resources, Property and Facilities, and Information Privacy and Security.

The majority of services are provided to Oranga Tamariki. Over the next 12 months the Ministry expects there to be significant changes towards the reduction of the provision of shared services as a result of the joint decisions of the Ministry and Oranga Tamariki Chief Executives on the recommendations of the Shared Services Review.

Data, Analytics and Evidence Services (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to improve the design and delivery of policy and services through more effective use of data and analytics. This includes public reporting of research, evaluation and performance information and data.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - The Quality Framework principles are: well commissioned, methodologically sound, client focused, builds knowledge and capability, and ethical.

Note 2 - Internal and external stakeholders are surveyed every quarter using pulse-check survey results.

The following information is provided for context only

Note 1 - This is limited to key publications funded by this appropriation and found within the Statistics, Research and Evaluation Reports pages located within the Publications Resources content on the Ministry's external website. This consists of:

• official government statistics which the Ministry is obligated to publish both to the Minister and on the Ministry's external website
• research reports about research the Ministry's Research and Evaluation team have conducted, and
• evaluation reports which evaluate the effectiveness of the Ministry's services.

Note 2 - There are three main reasons why the number of key publication documents produced in 2017/18 reduced from the previous year: responsibility for reporting some of these reports was passed to Oranga Tamariki, some reports are no longer funded within this appropriation or have been merged into other existing reports, and some reports are no longer produced on a quarterly basis, therefore significantly reducing the number of publications.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has decreased by $5.112 million to $31.828 million for 2020/21. This is mainly due to:

• a reduction of $2.200 million due to a one-off increase in 2019/20 to meet changes in cost drivers
• a reduction of $1.549 million due to an expense transfer from 2018/19 to 2019/20 relation to research and evaluation projects at the Ministry of Social Development
• a reduction of $1.405 million to align the funding to provide a reusable cloud-based infrastructure to deploy analytics to the front line relating to benefit debt, and
• a reduction of $600,000 due to a transfer from 2018/19 to 2019/20 for the Analytics to the Frontline Programme.

This is offset by:

• an increase of $391,000 to continue the Growing Up in NZ Study on child wellbeing.

Enhancement and Promotion of SuperGold Cards (M61)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to recognise the valued contribution of older New Zealanders by providing easy access to discounted products and services, and information about the use of the cards.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

The following information is provided for context only

The Ministry is further developing the SuperGold card website and app alongside a reporting dashboard.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has decreased by $1.480 million to $1.700 million for 2020/21 due to a decrease in funding for improved access to SuperGold Card information, discounts and concessions.

Establishment of Independent Monitor of the Oranga Tamariki System (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the establishment of a strengthened independent monitoring and assurance function to support objective assessment of the quality and extent of compliance with, and delivery of, the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 and related regulations and standards.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Performance will be assessed through timely delivery of a report to the Minister for Social Development and other key Ministers, including the Minister of Maori Development and the Minister for Whanau Ora, on progress with the establishment of the monitoring function by the end of the financial year.

The following information is provided for context only

The establishment of this function includes:

• establishing an initial assessment framework and Memoranda of Understanding with the agencies with care and custody of children in their own right
• establishing an assessment and monitoring framework
• designing and implementing an operating model
• establishing corporate services support
• establishing Memoranda of Understanding and information sharing arrangements
• working with Te Puni Kokiri and Te Arawhiti, in line with the Maori Crown Relations Engagement Framework and guidelines to ensure appropriate Maori and iwi engagement during the establishment of the monitoring function, and to support improvement of the Ministry's Te Ao Maori capability
• engaging with the NGO and wider children's sector on the establishment of the monitoring function, and
• the Ministry and relevant agencies, including Oranga Tamariki, the Ombudsman, the Office of the Children's Commission and the State Services Commission working together to effectively progress the establishment of the monitoring function.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Historic Claims Resolution (M63)

Scope of Appropriation and Expenses

Revenue

Comparators for Restructured Appropriation

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to provide a redress process to people who believe they were harmed while in the care, custody, guardianship or oversight of the State, as well as responding to the Royal Commission of Inquiry on the redress and rehabilitation processes and the historic child welfare system.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - The Ministry estimates a total of 1,864 assessments will be completed and approved over the three years of the appropriation, to 30 June 2022. The Ministry will update the budget standard each financial year. This measure counts each assessment, so that if a claimant has both a claims assessment and a detailed assessment, this will be counted as two assessments to represent the volume and workflow.

Note 2 - The average length of waiting time for a claimant from the end to end process is reported as being close to four years, and the Ministry expects to reduce this average to taking no more than 3.5 years by the end of the financial year 2021/22. There are dependencies that relate to increased volume of claims, staff availability, and where the claimant choses to delay the process. When this measure is calculated the Ministry will exclude those claims that are on-hold because of the claimants' choice not to proceed at that time.

Note 3 - Feedback will be sought at different points through the claims process following direct engagement with the claimant. The Ministry is committed to continuous improvement for claimants, and this feedback is a critical component to achieving this. Feedback will be online and so dependent on connectivity. The Ministry will exclude claimants who the Ministry know are unable to access online services (including prisoners because their internet access is restricted). The Ministry will also exclude those for whom the Ministry has no direct contact (eg, represented claimants) as the Ministry is measuring the quality of direct interaction.

The following information is provided for context only

Note 1 - This is financial year data where previously the Ministry reported calendar year, so numbers may appear different than those previously reported.

Note 2 - The number of claims closed includes where payment was made, or no payment was made, or the claim did not progress.

Note 3 - A one-off fast track process was implemented on 708 existing claims between 2015 to early 2017 resulting in a higher number of claims being resolved, and a reduction in backlog.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This a new appropriation to replace the pre-existing appropriation Historic Claims. The new appropriation has been established to allow for the resolving of claims of people under 18 years of age.

Income Support and Assistance to Seniors (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the accurate and timely assessment and payment of entitlements to older people.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - Standard timeframes are: six working days for New Zealand Superannuation (NZS) and Emergency Benefit, 20 working days for NZS entitlement assessments, and 20 working days for Residential Subsidy entitlement assessments.

The following information is provided for context only

The Ministry has commenced consultation on a new learning and continuous improvement operating model. This review focuses on how quality could be observed in future with less focus on retrospective checking, shifting towards increased observational coaching, real-time assessment and an end-to-end view of a client's engagement with the Ministry. As changes are made, the Ministry will look to develop measures that reflect the quality of client experience more fully than the current accuracy and timeliness measures.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

The appropriation has increased by $537,000 to $60.077 million for 2020/21. This is mainly due to:

• an increase of $1.982 million for Ministry of Social Development remuneration cost pressures
• an increase of $724,000 to provide support into employment for MSD clients by restoring employment-focused case management
• an increase of $601,000 to enable the completion of the interior security fit-out for the safety of clients and staff
• an increase of $246,000 to reduce the risk in critical systems and implementing legislative change
• an increase of $162,000 to maintain MSD's services by addressing inflationary and demand cost pressures

This is offset by:

• a reduction of $1.927 million for modernising and simplifying Superannuation and Veteran's Pension which finished in 2019/20
• a reduction of $1.200 million due to a one-off increase in 2019/20 to meet changes in cost drivers.

Independent Monitoring and Assurance of the Oranga Tamariki System (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve a strengthened independent monitoring and assurance function to provide oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Reports on the monitor's findings in relation to compliance with the Oranga Tamariki (National Care Standards (NCS) and Related Matters) Regulations will be provided to the Minister for Children within a timeline agreed with the Minister.

The following information is provided for context only

An initial assessment framework (IAF) was created for the monitoring of Regulations 69 and 85 of the Oranga Tamariki (National Care Standards and Related Matters) Regulations from 1 July 2019. In addition, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed with the agencies with care and custody of children in their own right who are the subject of this monitoring.

From December 2020, the Monitor will be monitoring compliance with all the NCS Regulations. It will have established a full monitoring assessment framework, amended any relevant MoUs with agencies and have a resourced operating function by this point to enable it to be fully operational.

The IAF provides three reports from the Monitor in its first 18 months of operation. These are due:

• December 2019
• June 2020
• December 2020.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $3.678 million to $4.677 million for 2020/21. This is due to increased funding for the independent monitoring of the state care system for children and young people initiative. This initiative commenced in 2019/20.

Investigation of Overpayments and Fraudulent Payments and Collection of Overpayments (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve a welfare system that operates with fairness and integrity by ensuring that the right people receive the right entitlements and assistance, and identifies and resolves overpayments.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - Non-investigative interventions are made up of:

• Early Intervention - this involves a letter and/or a phone conversation around the client's entitlement, focusing on getting the entitlement correct, not establishing an overpayment.
• Facilitation - this is a face to face conversation with the client talking about their situation, entitlements and obligations. This enables the client to self-assess whether they are receiving their correct entitlements, focusing on getting the entitlement correct, not establishing an overpayment.

Note 2 - The performance standard refers to the number of people that are subject to an investigation by specialist fraud staff. For example, one investigation can involve multiple people.

Note 3 - The Ministry works with clients to arrange a rate of repayment that they can sustain based on their income levels.

The following information is provided for context only

Note 1 - The Ministry currently works with six other government agencies and most of the process is automated.

Note 2 - Non-current debtors are people who are no longer in receipt of a main benefit but still have an open debt with the Ministry that they need to repay.

Note 3 - The overall decline in prosecutions in recent years reflects, for the most part, an increased focus on prevention and early intervention. This is supported by the removal of specific prosecution targets for fraud investigators, new MSD approval processes for prosecutions, and the decline of income-related fraud detected through the information sharing programme with Inland Revenue (while initially this programme resulted in a significant number of prosecutions, over time numbers have decreased).

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Management of Student Loans (M57)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve reduced financial barriers to tertiary study by providing accurate and timely assessment and payment of student loans.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - This refers to the assessment which advised the student of a finalised outcome on the application (whether it was approved or declined).

Note 2 - The initial entitlement assessment is the first assessment to occur on the application, it does not include any subsequent action required, eg, where a student has provided incorrect or incomplete information and is required to correct this. Timeliness is counted from the date the application is received to the date the application is first assessed.

The following information is provided for context only

The Ministry has commenced consultation on a new learning and continuous improvement operating model. This review focuses on how quality could be observed in future with less focus on retrospective checking, shifting towards increased observational coaching, real-time assessment and an end-to-end view of a client's engagement with the Ministry. As changes are made, the Ministry will look to develop measures that reflect the quality of client experience more fully than the current accuracy and timeliness measures.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $1.005 million to $19.673 million for 2020/21. This is mainly due to:

• an increase of $566,000 for remuneration cost pressures
• an increase of $200,000 due to a one-off decrease in 2019/20 to meet changes in cost drivers
• an increase of $197,000 to enable the completion of the interior security fit-out for the safety of clients and staff
• an increase of $47,000 to maintain the Ministry of Social Development's services by addressing inflationary and demand cost pressures.

Management of Student Support (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve reduced financial barriers to tertiary study by providing accurate and timely assessment and payment of non-recoverable financial support for students.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - This refers to the assessment which advised the student of a finalised outcome of the application (whether it was approved or declined).

Note 2 - The initial entitlement assessment is the first assessment to occur on the application, it does not include any subsequent action required, eg, where a student has provided incorrect or incomplete information and is required to correct this. Timeliness is counted from the date the application is received to the date the application is first assessed.

The following information is provided for context only

The Ministry has commenced consultation on a new learning and continuous improvement operating model. This review focuses on how quality could be observed in future with less focus on retrospective checking, shifting towards increased observational coaching, real-time assessment and an end-to-end view of a client's engagement with the Ministry. As changes are made, the Ministry will look to develop measures that reflect the quality of client experience more fully than the current accuracy and timeliness measures.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $1.007 million to $19.790 million for 2020/21. This is mainly due to:

• an increase of $567,000 for remuneration cost pressures
• an increase of $200,000 due to a one-off decrease in 2019/20 to meet changes in cost drivers
• an increase of $198,000 to enable the completion of the interior security fit-out programme for the safety of clients and staff
• an increase of $46,000 to maintain MSD's services by addressing inflationary and demand cost pressures.

Place-Based Initiatives - South Auckland Social Wellbeing Board (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the successful implementation and functioning of place-based initiatives to improve outcomes for at-risk children, young people and their families.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Performance expectations will be achieved thorough the implementation of the measures of success based on the framework established by the independent Place-based Initiatives evaluation.

The following information is provided for context only

The South Auckland Social Wellbeing Board (SASWB) applies a whanau-centred early support and prevention approach to improving long-term outcomes for children and their families, focusing on five prototype areas: family harm (incorporating the local Whangaia Nga Pa Harakeke model); housing support to reduce transiency and increase social connection; the Start Well initiative, providing intensive home visiting in the early years; early childhood settings to support improved child and whanau outcomes; and more responsive mental health and alcohol/drug support. The SASWB's approach is based on embedding a collaborative way of working in South Auckland, and drawing evidence, insights and cross-cutting themes from the prototypes to: influence core business improvements, inform system change, and break down organisational barriers and silos.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has decreased by $1.240 million to $1.700 million for 2020/21. This is due to a reduction of $2.150 million to provide operational support to the South Auckland Social Wellbeing Board.

This is offset by an increase of $910,000 for early years violence prevention drawdown.

Place-based Initiatives - Tairawhiti Local Leadership (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve a new way of working together in Tairawhiti in order to achieve an improvement in the outcomes of at-risk children, young people and their families.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Performance expectations will be achieved thorough the implementation of the measures of success based on the framework established by the independent Place-based Initiatives evaluation.

The following information is provided for context only

Manaaki Tairawhiti provides local leadership that transforms the lives of whanau through the delivery of responsive social services. Through the dual approaches of service delivery and system improvement, Manaaki Tairawhiti both delivers direct services and builds the effectiveness of local agencies to respond to the needs of whanau. Manaaki Tairawhiti decisions are informed by local data and evidence that is gathered at the initiative's operational hub.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has decreased by $1.016 million to $953,000 for 2020/21 due to funding to provide operational support to Manaaki Tairawhiti finishing in 2019/20.

Planning, Correspondence and Monitoring (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve effective and efficient ministerial, advisory and administrative services to support Ministers to discharge their portfolio responsibilities.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - The quality standard is that a draft provided for the Minister's signature is factually accurate, meets any legislative requirements and contains no avoidable errors. Agreed timeframes are:

• Ministerial correspondence replies completed within 20 working days of receipt by the Ministry, unless otherwise agreed.
• Parliamentary questions responses provided to the Minister's Office so that answers can meet the timeframe set in Parliamentary Standing Orders.
• Ministerial Official Information Act request replies completed five days prior to the statutory time limit, unless otherwise agreed.

The following information is provided for context only

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has decreased by $966,000 to $6.278 million for 2020/21. This is mainly due to a one-off increase of $1.200 million to meet changes in cost drivers in 2019/20 resulting in a decrease in funding in 2020/21. This is offset by an increase of $215,000 for remuneration cost pressures.

Policy Advice (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve high quality policy advice to support decision-making.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

The following information is provided for context only

Note 1 - During this financial year a number of staff and a portion of our work transferred from the Ministry to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has decreased by $1.284 million to $15.051 million for 2020/21. This is mainly due to:

• a reduction of $1.400 million due to a one-off increase in 2019/20 to meet changes in cost drivers, and
• a reduction of $300,000 due to an expense transfer from 2018/19 to 2019/20 for the Welfare Expert Advisory Group.

The above is offset by:

• an increase of $404,000 for remuneration cost pressures.

Processing of Veterans' Pensions (M75)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the accurate and timely assessment and payment of Veterans' Pensions and related allowances.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - Six working days for Veterans' Pension entitlement assessments for payment in New Zealand, and 20 working days for Veterans' Pension entitlement assessments for payment overseas.

The following information is provided for context only

The Ministry has commenced consultation on a new learning and continuous improvement operating model. This review focuses on how quality could be observed in future with less focus on retrospective checking, shifting towards increased observational coaching, real-time assessment and an end-to-end view of a client's engagement with the Ministry. As changes are made, the Ministry will look to develop measures that reflect the quality of client experience more fully than the current accuracy and timeliness measures.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has decreased by $50,000 to $684,000 for 2020/21. This is due to a one-off increase to meet changes in cost drivers in 2019/20 resulting in a decrease in 2020/21.

Promoting Positive Outcomes for Disabled People (M23)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the increased participation and contribution of disabled people by providing advice and support to the Minister for Disability Issues and external agencies, and by co-ordinating and monitoring against the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the New Zealand Disability Strategy and the Disability Action Plan.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - The satisfaction rating comes from an annual survey results and is based on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is considered poor quality, and 10 excellent quality.

Note 2 - DPOs are representative organisations of disabled people which are governed by disabled people. The Office for Disability Issues works closely with seven DPOs who make up the DPOs Coalition.

Note 3 - Other stakeholders include disabled people, DPOs (who are not part of the Coalition), non-government organisations, government agencies, and members of the public with an interest in disability.

The following information is provided for context only

Key activities for 2020/21:

• six monthly monitoring against the new Disability Action Plan (2019-2022)
• tabling of the New Zealand report on performance against the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations; officials will need to travel to Geneva for a face-to-face examination on the report at the United Nations (now on hold, the NZ report has been sent to the UN but the face to face examination is delayed beyond 2020)
• further development of performance measures for the New Zealand Disability Strategy in preparation for the development of a monitoring dashboard.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $289,000 to $7.198 million for 2020/21. This is mainly due to:

• an increase of $400,000 due to a one-off decrease in 2019/20 to meet changes in cost drivers.

The above is offset by:

• a reduction of $65,000 for representation at the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Promoting Positive Outcomes for Seniors (M61)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve positive outcomes for seniors through supporting their inclusion in a society where older people can age positively, are highly valued and recognised as an integral part of families and communities, and by supporting greater advocacy of their issues by Ministers.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - Every six months the Minister for Seniors and the Ministry's Office for Seniors discuss the quality of service provided to the Minister in the previous half-year and agree a service quality rating. These conversations are used to drive performance improvements in the following six months. These ratings are averaged across the financial year to produce the annual result. The scale is from 1-10, where 1 is considered poor quality and 10 excellent quality.

Note 2 - Stakeholders are selected and surveyed annually from the following groups: seniors, sector organisations, and central and local government. The survey uses a five point scale from 'very dissatisfied' to 'very satisfied'.

The following information is provided for context only

The new strategy for New Zealand's ageing population, Better Later Life He Oranga Kaumatua 2019 - 2034, was launched in November 2019. There is a commitment to have the first action plan in place for the period 2021-2024. This will support the Ministry's Office for Seniors to achieve the vision of the strategy ensuring older New Zealanders can lead connected and fulfilled lives.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $50,000 to $1.297 million for 2020/21. This is due to increased funding of $150,000 funding for Digital Literacy Training for Seniors.

The above is offset by a reduction of $100,000 due to a one-off decrease in 2019/20 to meet changes in cost drivers.

Services to Support People to Access Accommodation (M37)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses and Revenue

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve accurate and efficient operation of the Public Housing Register so that more people who are eligible for public housing have their housing needs met, and those who are capable of housing independence move closer towards that.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - Applications will be placed on the Public Housing Register within 30 working days of the client's first request for emergency housing.

The following information is provided for context only

Note 1 - The Public Housing Register is comprised of the Housing Register and the Transfer Register.

Note 2 - The Housing Register is prioritised by need and consists of applicants who have been assessed as being eligible for public housing.

Note 3 - The Transfer Register is prioritised by need and consists of applicants who are already in public housing, but have requested, and are eligible for, a transfer to another public housing property.

The Ministry has commenced consultation on a new learning and continuous improvement operating model. This review focuses on how quality could be observed in future with less focus on retrospective checking, shifting towards increased observational coaching, real-time assessment and an end-to-end view of a client's engagement with the Ministry. As changes are made, the Ministry will look to develop measures that reflect the quality of client experience more fully than the current accuracy and timeliness measures.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation increased by $6.737 million to $61.767 million for 2020/21. This is mainly due to:

• an increase of $5.540 million to implement the Emergency Housing Demand Management initiative
• an increase of $2.060 million to prevent and reduce homelessness in New Zealand
• an increase of $1.185 million for remuneration cost pressures, and
• an increase of $618,000 to enable the completion of the interior security fit-out for the safety of clients and staff.

The above is offset by:

• a reduction of $1.620 million for implementing the Emergency Housing Special Needs Grants policy settings changes, and
• a reduction of $1 million to improve housing outcomes by financially assisting more people to access and retain secure tenancies.

2.3 - Departmental Capital Expenditure and Capital Injections#

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Ministry of Social Development - Capital Expenditure PLA (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Capital Expenditure

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve the replacement or upgrade of assets in support of the delivery of the Ministry's services.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

The Ministry's asset performance framework monitors and reports asset performance within the asset portfolios of Property and Technology. This reflects the different management approaches required to manage and monitor our significant assets.

Performance indicators focus monitoring on the areas of significant impact to asset condition, utilisation and functionality in line with Treasury Investor Confidence Rating requirements, with asset performance measures and standards being approved annually by the Ministry's Investment Committee. Performance against these standards is regularly monitored and used to support decisions made around the need to replace or upgrade assets.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Development Annual Report.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has decreased by $33.123 million to $97.249 million for 2020/21, reflecting the Ministry's revised capital programme of work. The capital expenditure level is impacted by two significant projects:

• Future State Physical Security Environment
• Infrastructure Availability and Resilience Project.

Capital Injections and Movements in Departmental Net Assets

Ministry of Social Development

Part 3 - Details of Non-Departmental Appropriations#

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3.1 - Non-Departmental Output Expenses#

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Children's Commissioner (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve an improvement in the wellbeing of children through the provision of independent advocacy for the interests of children, and independent monitoring and advice to Ministers about the services delivered to children under the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - Agreed standards indicate achievement of performance measures, as set out in the Statement of Performance Expectations and the Memorandum of Understanding.

Note 2 - Specified stakeholders will be listed in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Office of the Children's Commissioner and the Minister for Social Development for the new financial year, but subject to change if new work is taken on.

Note 3 - As evidenced by the results from an annual stakeholder survey of specified stakeholders who will be outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding with the Minister.

Note 4 - The measure will be evidenced in the minutes of meetings held between the Office of the Children's Commissioner and Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children, to confirm which monitoring recommendations are to be accepted.

The following information is provided for context only

Note 1 - In 2018/19 the Office of the Children's Commissioner decreased the number of visits in order to do an extra thematic review.

Note 2 - This is a demand-driven measure. There was a higher demand and higher capacity to make submissions in 2018/19.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Office of the Children's Commissioner in its Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation increased by $1 million to $4.157 million for 2020/21. This is due to an increase of $1 million for cost pressures and to provide for additional capacity at the Office of the Children's Commissioner.

Community Participation Services (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

Components of the Appropriation

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve an increase in opportunities for disabled people to fully participate in their communities by enhancing the skills, knowledge and services available to them.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - The provider will identify through discussion with each person his or her aspirations or goals with respect to participating and contributing. The provider, with the client, will develop an individual plan for realising the person's goals.

Note 2 - A small number of Community Participation Services were transferred to the Ministry of Health starting from 1 April 2019.

The following information is provided for context only

Activities that people may be supported to do include (but are not limited to) the following:

• participate in activities, services and facilities that are part of the daily lives of New Zealanders
• develop skills for daily living and participating in the community
• make a contribution to the community through voluntary work
• achieve valued roles such as: student, teammate, teacher, parent, spokesperson
• participate in their culture
• take part in work experience and/or work related skills training
• identify appropriate employment opportunities
• gain and maintain paid employment or self-employment
• maintain and extend friendships and social and support networks.

Funding for this appropriation has been used for people who do not meet the definition of 'disabled' in the past. Currently the funding is solely used for disabled people. The scope statement has been left broader than 'disabled people' to ensure that should the Ministry require this funding to be used on people who do not meet the definition of 'disabled people' it is able to do so. If at some time the Ministry does expand the funding to non-'disabled people', the intention statement and measures will be amended.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Minister for Social Development in the Vote Social Development Non-Departmental Appropriations Report.

Service Providers

The table above presents the top five service providers with funding arrangements with Ministry of Social Development under the output as at 13 March 2020.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $5.166 million to $87.542 million for 2020/21 due to an increase to address the increasing cost pressures experienced by community-based services for disabled people funded by the Ministry.

Implementation and Operation of the Mandatory Registration of Social Workers (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to support the establishment of mandatory registration of social workers through the Social Workers Registration Board.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - Stakeholders are kept informed of these changes through: at least four issues of OnBoard newsletter, the website being up to date and collateral being developed.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Social Worker Registration Board in its annual report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation decreased by $555,000 to $788,000 for 2020/21 due to a decrease of funding for the Social Worker Registration Board.

Student Placement Services (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve reduced financial barriers to tertiary study through the effective operation of the Student Job Search placement service so that more students are earning income through paid employment.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental output expense is less than $5 million.

Service Providers

The funding is paid to Student Job Search for operation of the Student Job Search placement service.

Supporting Equitable Pay for Care and Support Workers (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve pay equity for the care and support workers.

End of Year Performance Reporting

An exemption was granted under section15D(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Finance Act 1989, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative as this appropriation is an interim measure to enable providers to be reimbursed for additional costs incurred in relation to the care and support worker pay equity settlement. Over time the ongoing funding will transfer into correct appropriation.

Service Providers

The table above presents the top five service providers with funding arrangements with Ministry of Social Development under the output as at 13 March 2020.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has decreased by $669,000 to $10.332 million for 2020/21 due to a reduction in funding to improve professionalism in the Social Work Sector through mandatory registration.

3.2 - Non-Departmental Benefits or Related Expenses#

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Accommodation Assistance (M37)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

Components of the Appropriation

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve social outcomes by providing targeted financial support to help eligible people meet the costs of accommodation.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s.15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Accommodation Assistance under the Social Security Act 2018 or any legislation that replaces that Act. Performance information relating to the administration of the payment is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA in Vote Social Development.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $671.469 million to $2,607.247 million in 2020/21 mainly due to:

• an increase of $547 million for an expected increase in the number of people, and
• an increase of $135 million for an expected growth in the average rate of payment.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Childcare Assistance (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve employment and social outcomes by providing financial support to assist caregivers and parents with childcare costs.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Childcare Assistance under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $16.389 million to $167.287 million in 2020/21 mainly due to:

• an increase of $9 million for an expected increase in the average rate paid per person (before inflation adjustments), and
• an increase of $6 million for an expected increase in the number of children.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Disability Assistance (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

Components of the Appropriation

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve social outcomes by providing financial support to help people meet disability-related living costs.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Disability Assistance under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $22.088 million to $419.290 million in 2020/21 mainly due to an expected increase in the number of people.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Family Start/NGO Awards (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve an increase in the number of NGO staff who have formal social work qualifications by assisting with course fees.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payment of course fees for Family Start family/whanau and NGO workers pursuing social work qualifications.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Hardship Assistance (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

Components of the Appropriation

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve social outcomes by providing financial support to meet essential or emergency costs for people living in financial hardship.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Hardship Assistance under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $222.864 million to $622.573 million in 2020/21 mainly due to:

• an increase of $144 million for an increase in spending for Temporary Additional Support, mostly from an expected increase in demand for main benefits and
• an expected increase of $81 million for Special Needs Grants mainly from an expected increase in grants.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Jobseeker Support and Emergency Benefit (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve employment and social outcomes by providing means-tested income support to people not in employment but seeking it, temporarily unable to work, or who are in hardship and not eligible for another main benefit.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Jobseeker Support and Emergency Benefit under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $2,148.058 million to $4,521.173 million in 2020/21 mainly due to:

• an increase of $1,770 million for an expected increase in the number of people
• an increase of $274 million for wage growth adjustments to the benefit rates, and
• an increase of $266 million for policy changes including the COVID-19 Economic Package.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

New Zealand Superannuation (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve social participation and independence for superannuitants by providing financial support.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of New Zealand Superannuation under the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001. Performance information relating to the administration of the payment is provided under the Income Support and Assistance to Seniors appropriation.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $829.916 million to $16,346.040 million in 2020/21 mainly due to:

• an increase of $486 million for an expected increase in the number of people, and
• an increase of $403 million for inflation and wage growth adjustments to the benefit rates.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Orphan's/Unsupported Child's Benefit (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve social outcomes by providing income support to the principal caregivers of orphans and unsupported children.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Orphan's/Unsupported Child's Benefit under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $19.570 million to $267.807 million in 2020/21 mainly due to:

• an increase of $16 million for the number of people, and
• an increase of $3 million for inflation adjustments to the benefit rates.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Sole Parent Support (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve employment and social outcomes by providing means-tested income support to sole parents while they are caring for dependent children.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Sole Parent Support under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $342.580 million to $1,577.147 million in 2020/21 mainly due to:

• an increase of $182 million for an expected increase in the number of people
• an increase of $88 million for policy adjustments including the COVID-19 Economic Package, and
• an increase of $48 million for wage growth adjustments to the benefit rates.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Special Circumstance Assistance (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve social outcomes by providing financial support to people to meet costs arising from special circumstances.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Special Circumstance Assistance under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Student Allowances (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

Components of the Appropriation

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve employment and social outcomes by providing financial support to eligible students to undertake tertiary study.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Student Allowances under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Management of Student Support appropriation.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $60.929 million to $640.828 million in 2020/21 mainly due to:

• an increase of $54 million for an expected increase in the number of people, and
• an increase of $7 million for inflation adjustments to the payment rates.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Study Scholarships and Awards (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve employment and social outcomes by providing financial support to eligible students to undertake tertiary study.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Study Scholarships and Awards under the Education Act 1989. Performance information relating to the administration of the payment is provided under the Management of Student Support appropriation.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $5 million to $25.667 million in 2020/21 due to an increase in demand for Teach NZ Scholarships.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Supported Living Payment (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve employment and social outcomes by providing income support to people who are permanently and severely restricted in their capacity to work, or who are giving full-time care at home to a person who would otherwise require hospital or similar care.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Supported Living Payment under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $161.914 million to $1,806.819 million in 2020/21 mainly due to:

• an increase of $114 million for policy adjustments including the COVID-19 Economic Package, and
• an increase of $42 million for wage growth adjustments to the benefit rates.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Transitional Assistance (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve employment and social outcomes by providing supplementary financial assistance to people who are adversely affected by changes in policy or legislation.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Transitional Assistance under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $398,000 to $650,000 in 2020/21 due the cumulative impact of previous policy decisions.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Veterans' Pension (M75)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve social participation and independence for veterans by providing financial support.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Veterans' Pension under the War Pensions Act 1954 and the Veterans' Support Act 2014. Performance information relating to the administration of the payment is provided under the Processing of Veterans' Pensions appropriation.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has decreased by $10.451 million to $134.430 million in 2020/21 mainly due to an expected decrease in the number of people.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Winter Energy Payment (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve positive social outcomes by providing financial support to meet heating related costs during winter.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of the Winter Energy Payment under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payment is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $197.295 million to $879.607 million in 2020/21 mainly due to:

• an increase of $102 million for the COVID-19 Economic Package, and
• an increase of $95 million for an expected increase in the number of people.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Work Assistance (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve employment and social outcomes by providing financial support to people who are transitioning or have recently transitioned into employment to sustain their employment.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Work Assistance under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $345,000 to $2.568 million in 2020/21 mainly due to an expected increase in the average rate paid per person (before inflation adjustments).

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Youth Payment and Young Parent Payment (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve employment and social outcomes by providing income support and incentive payments to young people and young parents.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Youth Payment and Young Parent Payment under the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $9.772 million to $63.633 million in 2020/21 mainly due to:

• an increase of $4 million for an expected increase in the number of people
• an increase of $4 million for policy adjustments including the COVID-19 Economic Package, and
• an increase of $2 million for revised wage and benefit numbers since the $25 increase in benefit payments policy was costed.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

 

3.4 - Non-Departmental Other Expenses#

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Debt Write-downs (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve accurate valuations of outstanding debt in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this is a technical accounting appropriation solely to record the amount of debt write-downs and provisions for debt write-down resulting from the need to value the amount of outstanding debt in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation decreased by $973,000 to $79.579 million for 2020/21. This is mainly due to a change in the level of outstanding debt and the rates used to calculate the debt write-down provision.

Emergency Housing Support Package (M37)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve support for the children of families receiving Emergency Housing Special Needs Grants living in an emergency housing environment, to support meeting the education, early childhood and wellbeing needs that are associated with the stresses of living in an emergency housing environment and where these needs/costs cannot be met through existing policies, services and initiatives or funding.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA as the amount of this annual appropriation for a Non-Departmental Output Expense is less than $5 million.

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation increased by $1.300 million to $2.600 million for 2020/21 due to an increase in funding for a flexible funding policy to support meeting education, early childhood and wellbeing needs for families with children in emergency housing accommodation.

Extraordinary Care Fund (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve more children in care reaching their full potential.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA as the amount of this annual appropriation for a Non-Departmental Output Expense is less than $5 million.

Out of School Care and Recreation Programmes (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve increased opportunities for parents and caregivers to gain and sustain employment.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

Note 1 - Each year we undertake a sample of provider attendance reports to ensure that attendance matches or exceeds funded places.

Note 2 - Requirements include viewing the attendance records for the day, ensuring the correct funded venue, assessing the general quality of delivery and observing child engagement. Together with the above measure this demonstrates that service quality and reporting requirements are being met, helping to ensure service continuity.

The following information is provided for context only

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Ministry for Social Development in the Vote Social Development Non-Departmental Appropriations Report.

Service Providers

The table above presents the top five service providers who have funding arrangements with the Ministry of Social Development under this output as at 13 March 2020.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation decreased by $4.360 million to $21.939 million for 2020/21. This is due to a reduction of $6.760 million as a result of a one-off fund in 2019/20 to provide childcare to essential workers during the lockdown period for COVID-19. This is offset by an increase of $2.400 million to address cost pressures of Out of School Care and Recreation service providers.

Reimbursement of Income Related Rent Overpayments (M37)

Scope of Appropriation

Expenses

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to ensure that the Ministry can reimburse a tenant that has been assessed as overpaying their Income Related Rent, following any review of their entitlement.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(iii) of the PFA as the amount of this annual appropriation for a non-departmental output expense is less than $5 million.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

3.5 - Non-Departmental Capital Expenditure#

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Children's Commissioner Capital Injection (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Capital Expenditure

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to improve the Children's Commissioner's document management system and upgrade its website.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

Performance measures and targets are subject to the impact of COVID-19.

The Office of the Children's Commission will upgrade its website and implement a new document management system by 30 June 2021.

End of Year Performance Reporting

Performance information for this appropriation will be reported by the Office of the Children's Commissioner in its Annual Report.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This is a newly created appropriation in 2020/21.

Recoverable Assistance (M63)

Scope of Appropriation

Capital Expenditure

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve employment and social outcomes by providing recoverable financial support to, or in respect of, people in financial hardship in specific circumstances.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for recoverable assistance payments as a facility for low-income earners and beneficiaries to access means-tested assistance in accordance with criteria set out in the Social Security Act 2018. Performance information relating to the administration of the payments is provided under the Improved Employment and Social Outcomes Support MCA and the Investigation of Overpayments and Fraudulent Payments and Collection of Overpayments appropriation.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $141.239 million to $501.047 million in 2020/21 mainly due to an expected increase in the number of grants.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation

Student Loans (M57)

Scope of Appropriation

Capital Expenditure

What is Intended to be Achieved with this Appropriation

This appropriation is intended to achieve employment and social outcomes by providing financial support to eligible students to undertake tertiary study.

How Performance will be Assessed and End of Year Reporting Requirements

An exemption was granted under s15D(2)(b)(ii) of the PFA, as additional performance information is unlikely to be informative because this appropriation is solely for payments of Student Loans. Performance information relating to the administration of the Loans is provided under the Management of Student Loans appropriation.

Current and Past Policy Initiatives

Reasons for Change in Appropriation

This appropriation has increased by $190.041 million to $1,648.185 million in 2020/21 mainly due to an increase in the number of loan borrowers.

Conditions on Use of Appropriation