9 May 2000

A Christchurch City Council Taskforce on Poverty has been asked to focus on the provision of a better service by Government agencies in Christchurch.

The initial focus of the Taskforce will be in two areas: reviewing the Christchurch City Council’s programmes and policies in relation to those on low incomes and "strengthening relationships among key government and non-government agencies" associated with poverty.

Last November the Council decided to establish a Taskforce "to identity and advocate for solutions to poverty".

Yesterday, the Council’s Community Services Committee appointed four people to the Taskforce: Dr Sue Bagshaw, Major Campbell Roberts, Dr Paul Dalzeil, and Mark Solomon. Other members are the Mayor, Garry Moore, and the chairwoman of the Community Services Committee, Cr. Carole Anderton.

It is expected that the group will invite submissions, pursue its own inquiries, commission systematic studies, prepare reports and involve other people and agencies in deliberations.

Further information:

Mary Richardson,
policy analyst
941 8882.