Social Welfare Bureau increases subsidies

The Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) has increased the total subsidy amount to be granted to private social services institutions by 6.8 percent. IAS said in a statement that it hopes to continue supporting social service initiatives while increasing the benefits of social workers, primarily in terms of income. The Bureau is seeking to “stabilize human resources” and “optimize service settings.”
In April last year, the subsidy amount was increased by 7 percent. IAS decided to upgrade it again this year. The subsidy upgrade surpasses the current inflation rate, IAS stressed, adding that the Bureau’s expenses for this year will increase by MOP45 million.
The bureau revealed that it has concluded a study on the financial support scheme provided to private social services institutions. The department is currently presenting the study outcomes to private institutions to hear their opinions, with the aim of officially implementing the new financial scheme during the second half of this year.