Community law centres have been given an $8.72 million boost by the government over the next four years.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Justice Minister Andrew Little have announced the funding boost to the 24 centres nationwide. This is on top of the $2.2 million in last year’s Budget which ended a 10-year funding freeze from central government.
“Community law centres play a vital role in ensuring access to justice for all New Zealanders, and especially for people on low incomes. That’s why the Wellbeing Budget secures the future of community law centres,” says Ms Ardern.
“These services are crucial to ensuring New Zealanders receive what they are legally entitled to, and that their legal rights are upheld,” Mr Little added.
The announcement says the increase brings total annual funding for community law centres to $13.26 million.
Revenue from the Lawyers and Conveyancers Special Fund contributed 84.2% of the total funding provided to community law centres in the year to 31 May 2019.