Boosting Social Assistance Programmes

(ZIZ News) — The Ministry of Social Development will be reviewing its Social Assistance Programmes to stay in line with the increased cost of living.

That’s the word from Director of Social Development, Azilla Clarke.

“The rate of payment for many of the Social Assistance Programmes has remained fixed for a very long time, and we’ve had to remain that way. But what we’re looking for now is to do the necessary adjustments for cost of living and then therefore offer a competitive service to the individuals,” she said.

“What Social Services is designed to do is to be that safety net, something that you fall into when you are in need, captures you, builds you. We almost use it as a trampoline effect. So you bounce in, we service you while you’re down in order to propel you up. And where you end up should be further ahead of where you were,” she added.

She encouraged anyone who wanted to learn more about the Social Assistance Programmes to visit the Department of Social Development on Victoria Road, opposite Warner Park.