8. Question No. 8—Social Development and EmploymentRICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH (Green) to the Minister for Social Development and EmploymentQuestion No. 8—Social Development and Employment8. RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH (Green) to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Has she seen reports that Aotearoa's most low-income communities are disproportionately impacted by climate events such as flooding; if so what steps is her Government taking to support those on the lowest incomes to recover from recent weather events?Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN (Acting Minister for Social Development and Employment): As part of the Government's work on the equitable transition strategy I have been briefed on the impacts of climate events on low-income New Zealanders. Not only has this Government made significant permanent improvements to income support for New Zealanders we have also rolled out an immediate response to support those impacted by the recent floods and cyclone. To date over $40 million has been given out to over 78000 people in civil defence payments to help families with the costs that they've incurred as a result of those recent weather events. We're also backing our social service providers and community groups with a support package of $11.5 million. This is just the beginning of our response. As we move into recovery we will continue to assess what other supports may be needed.Ricardo Menéndez March: Does she believe that the civil defence payment adequately supports families who have lost everything in recent weather events considering the amount people can receive for food bedding and clothing has not been increased in almost 10 years?Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN: There is already a considerable amount of both flexibility and the types of payments or the things that people can apply for civil defence payments to cover to ensure that people do get the support that they need during this crisis. This is an important part of our hardship assistance offering.Ricardo Menéndez March: Does she agree that livable incomes are key to building resilience in the face of climate change and if so is she committed to lifting benefits to livable levels?Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN: Our Government has already made significant increases to benefits—in fact the largest such increases since the 1940s. Compared to the policy settings of 2017 we know that 351000 people on benefits have seen increases that have resulted in them being benefited by about $113 per week—that goes up to $137 per week in winter. In fact total income after housing costs—it's 43 percent higher basically in 2022 since 2018 and that's as a direct result of this Government's reforms.Ricardo Menéndez March: Will the Minister reassure beneficiaries in areas impacted by recent extreme weather events that they will not be sanctioned should they fail to meet their obligations under Work and Income and if not why not?Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN: As I have already outlined this Government is taking steps to ensure that those who are affected by the recent weather events are getting the support that they need. We will continue to do that. We have continued to ensure that we reduce hardship for all New Zealanders and that's what we'll continue to do.Ricardo Menéndez March: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I was asking about sanctions. So while I'm not looking for a specific yes or no the issue of assuring beneficiaries whether sanctions will be applied or not—SPEAKER: Can you ask the question again and we'll—Ricardo Menéndez March: Absolutely. Will the Minister reassure beneficiaries in areas impacted by recent extreme weather events that they will not be sanctioned should they fail to meet their obligations under Work and Income and if not why not?Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN: Look we have continually taken the view that we will look at what sanctions we can get rid of. We have done that. We have already said that in areas where people are affected by the cyclones we will continue to support them. So we will continue to reduce hardship in various ways that we can.Ricardo Menéndez March: Will she consider bringing forward the winter energy payment to provide relief for families on low incomes impacted by severe whether events?Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN: As I have said this is the beginning of the support that we are providing to individuals and families who've been affected by the recent weather events. I have already outlined the supports that we are providing. I will reiterate what the Prime Minister has also mentioned in his statement. From April this year we will roll out the next phase in the cost of living support. We will reverse a freeze on the income and taxation threshold for childcare eligibility put in place by National in 2010—that means over 10000 additional children are estimated to receive support. The family tax credit will also increase in April this year. We've put in packages of support to support people directly but also to support the NGOs and community groups that are supporting them. We will continue to assess the situation and take action as appropriate.