Budget day in region sees concern over welfare costs
Posted Jan 13, 2010 05:38:31 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s budget day at the region, and it appears councillors will have to gear up for another tough year in funding social services.
Welfare costs are up, which means the region may have to cover the increase through the reserve funds.
The Record reports councillors will be presented with three scenarios: no change in the caseload from December – when it stood at over 8,200, a slight increase in the caseload, or a significant climb in the number of people accessing welfare.
Whatever the case, there would be a shortfall to cover the costs, and dipping into reserves may be the most attractive option.
The estimated shortfall ranges from around $163,000 to almost 4-million-dollars.
Last year, the region also had to tap into reserves to cover a shortfall in welfare costs.
