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arrangements to make social security payments to

needy, the elderly and the disabled. They are

non-contributory and are paid for out of general

taxation. The arrangements are designed to bring the

incomes of recipients up to a level where essential

needs, such as food, clothing and accommodation, can

be met. The special needs of the elderly and the

disabled are covered by additional allowances. The

basic rates of Public Assistance and Special Needs

Allowance are revised from time to time in the light

of inflation and it is expected that a further

increase of about 10 per cent will be made in April

1988. In addition, following an overall review of

the Public Assistance Scheme, certain improvements,

designed particularly to benefit large families, have

been introduced on 1 January 1988.

45.

to

There is also an Old Age Allowance,

which all persons over the age of 70 are entitled

and which is additional to normal public assistance

payments to those old people who are eligible to

receive them.

This allowance will be increased as

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