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The Government is making an up-front investment of $287.5 million over the next four years in the first phase of its welfare reforms, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says.

“We always said welfare reform would cost more up-front to save over the longer term and that translates to more support to help people off welfare into work,” Mrs Bennett says.

The phase 1 funding includes $81.5 million of additional money, with the remainder reprioritised from within Social Development spending.

Budget 2012 includes an $18.3 million investment over the next four years in mental health services for children and young people, Youth Affairs Minister Paula Bennett says.

“Young people can be among our most vulnerable and need specific support to address their needs,” she says. “I’m pleased to be putting more funding into mental health services for young people, including youth workers and One-Stop Shops.”

The Budget this month will provide $287.5 million over the next four years for the first phase of the Government’s welfare reforms to help more New Zealanders into work, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says.

This includes $81.5 million of additional up-front funding, with the remainder reprioritised funding from within Social Development.

The second phase of reforms will be funded in Budget 2013. The entire welfare package is expected to cost at least $520 million and it will save $1 billion over four years.