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by pltm
(PLTM) - The Public Assistance Committee was forced to deny 11 applications for burial/funeral grants in 2015, after investigations proved that those persons were in a financial position to bury their loved ones and were not in need of government assistance.
According to the committee's 2015 annual report, which was tabled by Hon. Ronnie Skelton, Minister of Health and Social Development this week, based on the nature and urgency of burial/funeral applications, in accordance with the Public Assistance Act 2013, the Chief Social Development Officer ruled on 30 applications on behalf of the committee during that year.
Of those 30 applications, a total of 18 were approved, 11 denied and 1 application was withdrawn.
"Further, of the 11 applications denied, it was determined following the investigation, that in most cases the applicant's family possessed sufficient means to fund the necessary arrangements," the report stated.
"In some cases, the applications lacked sufficient information and in two instances, there was late submission of information."
A total of $38,995.00 was expended to assist families with the burial/funeral of their loved ones.
For over 50 years, the Territory's public assistance programme operated under the Public Assistance Ordinance, but it was repealed and replaced with the Public Assistance Act, 2013. Under this act, it provides for the appointment of a committee to grant public assistance aid provided to or for the benefit of persons in need.
In 2015, the social assistance was allotted $523,200.00.
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