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in nced and a flexible safety net for those with insufficient
resources for their needs.
13.
Nonetheless, in the light of the six years of
expe ence gained since the extended public assistance scheme
came into operation in April 1971, it can be seen that there
are ways in which the scheme can be improved. These fall into
two categories improvement in the administration of the
scheme and in the assessment of assistance.
14.
·
Administration of the scheme
There are four proposals to streamline the operations)
to strengthen safeguards against fraud, to introduce an appeal
system and to refine the exercise of discretionary powers.
a) Streamlining the operations
Existing procedures are to be re-examined to ensure
the most economical use of staff consistent with a
speedy service to the public. As part of this
exercise a systems study will be carried out into
the possible introduction of data processing.
b) Strengthening safeguards against fraud
Where there are suspicions of fraud, investigating
the case in detail is time-consuming, especially
if the officer concerned is not experienced in
}
dealing with that particular problem. It is
proposed, therefore, to set up a small investigation
team to which such cases would be referred.
c) An appeal system
At present there is no appeal system for public
assistance. A person who does not think that he
has received his entitlement can only ask for his
CONFIDENTIAL