And here’s where things get like a game of ping pong. Newshub went to the Ministry of Disabled People, which passed us on to an organisation called Manawanui, which is contracted to the Ministry and chaired by Sir Bill English, former National Party Prime Minister.
Manawanui is tasked with deciding how the Bartons spend their individual funding. They’re the ones that said no.
But a Manawanui spokesperson told Newshub they simply follow the Ministry’s strict new guidelines, which state you can’t fund home improvements. And only the Ministry can override their decision.
In a statement, the Ministry of Disabled People said it’s not privy to conversations between the Bartons and Manawanui. But it acknowledged how difficult things must be for the Bartons.
“Unfortunately the current Government are just viewing disabled people like baggage, that’s how it feels to us,” said Paul.
Ally, a former ICU nurse, no longer works. Paul had to quit his job to support her. Money is tight.
But they felt they had to get the flooring job done. So, they went to their local carpet store Flooring Xtra for a quote. And the owner delivered what the Government wouldn’t.