3
where necessary, discretionary help will still be
given on anindividual basis.
Assessment of assistance
15.
In general, the present structure of the public
assistance scheme does provide a flexible and effective means
of meeting need in a fairly simple and understandable way.
There are, however, four aspects of the scheme where improve-
ments could be made, without making the scheme as a whole over-
elaborate. These concern a supplementary allowance to those
who have to rely on assistance for long periods; more encourage-
ment to self-help; the payment of an old age supplement, and
revision of the age of retirement.
Long term reliance on public assistance
16.
The public assistance scale rate is considered to
provide adequate help for individuals and families who have to
rely on it for income maintenance for relatively short periods.
Over long periods, however, the position is not so satisfactory.
There is no margin in the scale rates to provide for household
replacements and similar expenditure which has to be faced
over a long period of time, and for which at present discre-
tionary grants may have to be made. Such needs do not really
arise over short periods, because the family can reasonably be
expected to manage on its resources built up over a period of
higher income when, for example, a family member is in work.
To meet more effectively the needs of families
reliant on public assistance for a long period and to reduce
need for discretionary grants, it is proposed that there should
be a supplementary allowance added to the basic monthly scale
17.
of allowances.
The allowance would be called a long term