Tinee Furbert outlines key budget initiatives for the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors
Breaking ground on a new seniors’ day care facility, creating a dedicated Disability Unit, and increases to financial assistance.
These are among key initiatives in this year’s budget for the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors.
The Ministry has been allocated $96.2 million overall, including a $16.1 million operational budget to support a range of new and expanded programmes.
“We are taking practical steps to ease the burden on working families,” Minister Tinee Furbert said. “Amendments to the Child Day Care Allowance Act will increase financial assistance for families with multiple children under the age of four, helping to improve affordability and support workforce participation. $250,000 in additional funding is provided for expansion of the Child Day Care Allowance programme.
“In addition, the income threshold for Financial Assistance pensioners has increased from $500 to $800, allowing recipients to retain more of their earned income while maintaining essential support $1.5 million dollars has been allocated for these amendments to the Excluded Income threshold.”
Elsewhere, $1.8 million in capital funding has been set aside to transform the former Gilbert Institute in Paget into a seniors’ day care facility.
Once operational, the centre will provide structured day programmes, respite services, and recreational activities for at least 50 seniors, including those living with dementia.
Minister Tinee Furbert says the ground-breaking is targeted for September.
Meanwhile, $160,000 has been allocated to support the development of a Disability Unit within Ageing and Disability Services.
The unit will be led by a full-time Programme Manager, with an amended Accessibility Officer role within ADS covering both accessibility compliance and public awareness responsibilities.
Minister Furbert says the initiative is especially meaningful to her.
The Minister’s full remarks are provided below.
