ENG-1978 — Page 158

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SOCIAL WELFARE

Due to the growing complexity of the public assistance and special needs allowance schemes, a special investigation team, which was established in July, 1977, was further expanded in June, 1978. The team investigates suspected fraudulent cases as well as overpayment cases, where there are difficulties in obtaining repayment. During the year the team completed investigation of 148 cases, some of which were referred to the Attorney General for possible prosecution.

In response to recommendations made in the Green Paper on the Development of Social Security published in November, 1977, an independent appeal board was set up in May, 1978, to consider individual appeals against the decision of the Director of Social Welfare regarding the payment of social security benefits. The board consists of an unofficial chairman and two unofficial members, appointed by the Governor. The board's hearings are informal and appellants can use whatever language or dialect is convenient for them. During the year a total of 30 cases, of which 24 were public assistance cases and six were special needs allowance cases, were heard by the board. The Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Scheme provides ex- gratia compensation to those injured in crimes of violence and by weapons used by law enforcement officers in the execution of their duties. Decisions on claims are made by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board and the Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. In the 1977-8 financial year, payments totalling $1.4 million were made compared with $1.5 million in 1976-7.

Planning has commenced on implementing a scheme for compensating the victims. of traffic accidents, on a no-fault basis. The scheme, which will come into operation in April, 1979, will be administered by the Social Welfare Department.

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The Elderly

The Elderly Services Division was set up in August, 1978, to expedite the development of services and facilities for the elderly and to co-ordinate and review existing welfare services for them. Current facilities for the elderly include 34 residential homes with more than 3,900 places, six centres providing home-help services, three district multi- service centres which provide comprehensive community services, and some 60 social centres and clubs with a total membership of about 6,000.

The number of people aged 60 years and above has grown from 152,000 in 1961 to 424,000 in 1978, that is from 4.8 per cent to 9.24 per cent of the total population. Government policy is that more must be done for the elderly to make it easier for them to continue life within their family or community. In addition to extending the old age allowance, a range of services will be established in the next 10 years. These include the provision of special places in public housing, the expansion of community nursing services and day hospitals, and more geriatric beds. For people who are unable to look after themselves or to be cared for by their families, 1,000 additional care and attention places and 1,000 additional places in homes for the elderly are expected to be provided by 1980-1, when provision for subsequent years will be reviewed.

Most elderly people are expected to remain with their families, but there will be a range of supporting services to help them do so. The focal point of these services will be the 11 district multi-purpose centres and 245 social centres which will provide a