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This will give community organisations the ability to plan ahead and to attract and retain qualified staff," said Lesley Soper, Labour List MP of Invercargill.

The government is investing $52 million over the next four years in community based child and family services that will revitalise our partnership with non-government organisations.

On Monday 1 September at 2 pm Lesley Soper visited one such organisation, the Invercargill YMCA which operates a series of youth programmes and holiday programmes.  The organisation will receive a funding increase in 2008/09 of 16.6 per cent.  This funding will increase each year until they reach full funding by 2011/12.

"Organisations like the YMCA Charitable Trust are being recognised for the vital service and support that they provide.  The extra funding will make a real difference for these groups as they work to improve the lives of youth and families," said Lesley Soper.

Once this year's funding is finalised, discussions will continue with community groups to determine their pathways to full funding by 2012.

Over 850 community groups provide social services to children, young people and families throughout New Zealand and are receiving 3.4 per cent inflation adjustment, totalling more than $6 million.

The government had committed to providing this annual adjustment for inflation every year from now on.  This is one part of the government's strategy to move all essential social services to full funding by 2012, and make that change sustainable.

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