Free budgeting services are bracing for a drop in funding right as the cost of living crisis hits and a recession knocks on our door.
The Ministry of Social Development funds 131 budget advisor services for $170 per session but that will drop by 20 dollars from July.
Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Demand has surged as people seek help to make ends meet and some advisors worry they will have to reduce staff, when they need to hire more.
Ministry of Social Development says budgeting services were given additional money at the height of the Covid pandemic to help meet extra demand.
It says even though the level of funding will decrease in July, it will still be $7 million higher than before Covid.
And it says the government has also given an extra $3 million to help meet demand for budgeting services because of this year's severe weather events.
Amy Williams reports.
