Cut from business aid

NATASHA MARTIN/Timaru Herald

WORK WANTED: Patrick Tollan is concerned about the way the Government is slashing incentives for people who want to start up their own business.

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A disabled Timaru man is angry at the Government's decision to curtail funding for a business start-up plan for beneficiaries.

Patrick Tollan, 26, said he had been job hunting, but a lack of opportunities in the IT industry led him to form his own start-up business plan.

"I have cerebral palsy which means I am not able to drive. This does make it difficult for me to get certain jobs," he said.

"However, I do have experience in setting up IT systems for places like Roncalli College and Waimate High School, and felt it would be good to establish a business plan."

Mr Tollan was surprised an enterprise allowance was no longer available, because the funding was being allocated to youth and unemployed people.

"I have got nothing against the money going to help young people start work, but why are they taking money away from people trying to become independent?"

While Mr Tollan said he had taken up the issue with the local Work and Income office, he was more concerned how it would affect other people in a similar situation.

"I just want them to allocate more funding across the board. It affects me, but it also affects a lot of other organisations who work with disabilities."

He had applied for a loan from the BNZ, but was yet to find out if it had been approved.

"Banks are obviously in the business of not giving out money unless they feel they can get a return. They seemed to really like the business plan I presented, so I'm hopeful of getting a positive response.

"They should be encouraging people who do not want to be a burden on society."

Rangitata MP Jo Goodhew said she sympathised with Mr Tollan's concerns. She said the enterprise allowance had been allocated for the financial year, but there were other schemes Mr Tollan could apply for ... Winz had been hamstrung by the fact that more than 64,000 had signed up for the benefit, compared with 32,000 last year.

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