Dunedin budgeting service now operating at Catholic site

Dunedin Budget Advisory Service (DBAS) manager Andrew Henderson said the new arrangement came about in the wake of a hui last year to discuss the future of the service in the wake of Government funding cuts.

Catholic Social Services manager Melanie McNatty, who was at the hui, approached Mr Henderson with the offer of rooms in the new Rakiatia centre.

Mr Henderson and DBAS financial mentor Raewyn Bungard moved to the new space, where the service has access to reception and meeting rooms, along with its own office.

“Things have gone very well since we moved out here to South Dunedin,” Mr Henderson said.

With many organisations finding it difficult to access budgeting services for their clients, there has continued to be a strong interest in the service’s expertise, he said.

“The demand for our service is huge and growing all the time, as people battle with the cost of living,” he added.

Ms Bungard said the service was hearing from an increasing number of people struggling to pay mortgages and rent, resulting in some experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness.

“[Unaffordable accommodation] is the biggest cause of poverty – many families are paying more than 50 per cent of their income in rents, or mortgages, rates and insurance,” she said.

The service was seeing some people who had experienced redundancy and had good advice to share.

“If you have been made redundant, it is best to ask for help early and make contact with Work and Income early – there are definitely ways to get help,” Mr Henderson said.

People should also do an annual review of their finances, including insurances, power, internet and other costs, and check their credit files, he recommended.

“We wish more people were passionate about financial matters,” he said.

FULL STORY

Budget service now in South D hub (By Brenda Harwood/Otago Daily Times)