Council seeks assurances over disability service funding
Published on 01 December 2017
Monash Council is asking the State Government to review its funding of the Home and Community Care - Program for Younger People as the new model would see funding cut by approximately $900,000 in Monash.
The funding cut follows the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which has resulted in a number of previous HACC clients move over to the scheme, prompting the State Government to review its HACC-PYP funding
Around 350 Monash people with disabilities aged 65 years and under receive assistance from Council under HACC-PYP, and up to 250 of these may not qualify for the NDIS. This service is funded by the State Government through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The State Government is considering a new funding proposal for the HACC-PYP, which could see a reduction of 72% of funding, or overall funding of $900,000, by 2019/20. In Monash, this could equate to up to a $500,000 shortfall.
Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris said Council is extremely concerned about the proposed cuts and is seeking assurances from the DHHS that the HACC-PYP will be funded appropriately and committed to over the long term so Council can continue to deliver a high quality program.
“We are hoping that DHHS will come to the party and review its proposal to ensure adequate funding for this service is provided. We are also writing to the Minister for Housing, Ageing and Disability to advise of our concerns and disappointment,” Cr Klisaris said.
“Unfortunately, if the funding is not forthcoming, Council will need to consider whether it will be able to provide the service beyond 30 June, 2018.
“This does not mean the service to Monash residents will stop. They will still receive the service, but it will be from another provider determined by the State Government,” he said.
“However, many of these vulnerable members of our community have relationships with their carers and Council, and this will be a difficult change for them if the Department does not agree to increase funding to support our delivery of this critical service.
“If Council does not receive the funding assurances we seek, we will work closely with DHHS to find a new provider and work with our community to lessen any concerns during the transition period.”
Media Contact: Jo Robertson 0418 391 979 or email joanne.robertson@monash.vic.gov.au