Social Welfare’s offices may be made smaller

Press, 29 December 1986, Page 2

Social Welfare’s offices may be made smaller

A move to make Christchurch’s central city Social Welfare Department offices smaller and more accessible is being considered. The review announced by the department’s Christchurch office this week may mean more reliance on smaller suburban offices.

The department now has area offices in Papanui, New Brighton, Riccarton, and Rangiora as well as the central office where almost 450 staff work.

The central-city offices are now spread through four buildings. The Director of Social Welfare in Christchurch, Mr Maurice Doocey, has called for public comment on the future organisation of the department’s offices. A wide range of community groups were approached for their views two weeks ago and many have already replied. Mr Doocey said the consensus so far was that the department’s facilities

should be out in the community rather than in Cathedral Square. “Comment has been made that offices appear to work better, and were closer to the people they served, where there were fewer than about 150 staff employed,” he said. The review, which should be finished by the end of January, will develop a total plan for the district. People wanting to put their views, should get in touch with Mr John Dollar at the department’s district office.