Printed from https://fyi.org.nz/request/1603-overseas-travel-by-beneficiaries on November 05, 2024 19:23

Overseas travel by beneficiaries

Fran Van Helmond made this Official Information request to Ministry of Social Development

Response to this request is long overdue. By law Ministry of Social Development should have responded by now (details and exceptions). The requester can complain to the Ombudsman.

From: Fran Van Helmond

Dear Ministry of Social Development,

On or around 3rd April 2014 Paula Bennet announced that since July 2013, twenty one thousand plus (21000+) beneficiaries have travelled overseas on ''holidays''!

Quoted in part from Stuff "Ms Bennett said more than 1750 people have had their benefit suspended for multiple overseas trips, including 191 people who travelled three times and 1555 who have travelled twice since July.

The largest group of suspensions applied to nearly 11,200 people on job seeker benefits, followed by more than 4800 solo parents.

A total of 4836 were on a supported living payment.

A total of 4880 people had their benefits cut because they did not reconnect with Work and Income within eight weeks of their departure."

Question: Can Ms Bennett please support her statement with evidence (facts, figures, documents etc) in that more than 1750 people had their benefits suspended for overseas travel?

Yours faithfully,

Mr Fran Van Helmond

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From: OIA_Requests (MSD)
Ministry of Social Development

Dear Fran Van Helmond,

Thank you for your email received 9 April 2014, under the Official Information Act 1982. Your request has been forwarded to the appropriate officials at National office to respond. You may expect a response to be sent to you as soon as possible.
 
Regards
Official and Parliamentary Information team   |  Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development

Our Purpose:
We help New Zealanders to help themselves to be safe, strong and independent
Ko ta mātou he whakamana tangata kia tū haumaru, kia tū kaha, kia tū motuhake

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From: OIA_Requests (MSD)
Ministry of Social Development

Attachment Van Helmond Fran Extension Letter dated 12 May 2014.pdf
44K Download View as HTML

Dear Fran Van Helmond,

Please find attached a letter advising of the need to extend the time available to respond to your request until 10 June 2014.
 
Regards
Official and Parliamentary Information team   |  Ministerial and Executive Services
Ministry of Social Development

Our Purpose:
We help New Zealanders to help themselves to be safe, strong and independent
Ko ta mātou he whakamana tangata kia tū haumaru, kia tū kaha, kia tū motuhake

show quoted sections

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