By Marsha Marshall
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Our Latest Comment on the Announcement
As we have emphasised all week, we think the changes announced recently were far too extreme, and we emphatically disagree with removing flexibility. We understand that the budget is limited, and public funding only goes so far, but we feel that the changes aimed at removing flexibility are the wrong strategy. They were also far too broad, extreme, and of course too sudden. We have always been staunch advocates for choice, control and flexibility in the way that disabled people and their whānau access support. This time is no different.
Since our inception 20 years ago, we have had a continuous relationship and discourse with Ministry of Health and now also Whaikaha for the purposes of improving Self-Directed Funding. Over the past two decades, we have continually provided suggestions for purchasing frameworks, as well as continually seeking clarity on purchasing guidelines and how to interpret them.
With the recent changes, we have asked again for clarity around specific areas that currently remain vague. We have also suggested that exclusions related to Respite like some item purchases and travel related costs are revisited so that you can all benefit from the form of respite that works for your situation. We believe that this feedback has been heard and is being considered. Currently mileage for support workers is back in (you CAN claim it again) for example, and also activities for the disabled person while in respite. We know Whaikaha will be reviewing the changes further so be sure to check the website, where they are published, and as soon as we are clear on things – we will communicate with you via this newsletter and the livestreams every week.
To keep track of the changes, the relevant Whaikaha webpage is here:
Whaikaha QnA (is receiving updates)
Whaikaha Purchasing Rules
We still do not have an update regarding the temporary nature of these guidelines or a timeline towards a new permanent framework for self directed funding. We have offered Whaikaha the chance to join us on a livestream and we hope the community is afforded that opportunity to engage directly.
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