Govt denies rejecting funding for after-school care

The Ministry of Social Development has denied it has rejected funding for Kidicorp's out-of-school programmes.

It was reported yesterday that cuts in government funding could force 24 after-school programmes run by Kidicorp to close.

Kidicorp owner Wayne Wright yesterday said its latest application for $200,000 had been rejected. But the ministry refuted this.

Deputy chief executive Patricia Reade said it was "disappointing" Mr Wright had chosen to raise his concerns in the media.

"He knew the ministry was still considering applications," she said. "We're entrusted with taxpayers' dollars and the public can be assured the ministry adopts a rigorous approach when considering funding requests.

"Kidicorp was required to show it was financially sustainable. This is a standard requirement of any organisation that receives funding through the ministry."

Ms Reade said funding for 12 programmes run by Kidicorp had been approved.

"Kidicorp play an important role in after-school care programmes and the ministry has recognised this by providing more than $328,000 towards their programmes over the past two years."

- Bay of Plenty Times