Cabinet has approved the publication of regulations that will pave the way for reforming Cayman’s financial assistance programmes and their management.
The Ministry of Social Development, on Tuesday evening, announced that the Financial Assistance Regulations, 2023 and the Financial Assistance (Appeals) Regulations, 2023 have been approved and now create the framework for the launch of the Department of Financial Assistance later next month.
“Today, with the approval of these Regulations we are on the cusp of transforming the way we deliver financial assistance in the Cayman Islands. As we look forward to the launch of the Department of Financial Assistance, we embrace a future where members of our community can more efficiently access the support they need through modern processes and systems,” Social Development Minister André Ebanks said through the statement.
The regulations come exactly one year after the passage of the Financial Assistance Act, 2022 in Parliament.
Under the new legislation, the Needs Assessment Unit will be renamed the Department of Financial Assistance.
The legislation will also clearly define who is eligible for government’s financial assistance.
It will allow the introduction of conditions that can be attached to financial assistance, in particular for households with adult members who are able to work.
A new appeals tribunal is also to be set up under which decisions by the Department of Financial Assistance can be challenged, and grievances aired.
There will also be additional protections for personal information.
Ebanks said with the publication of the regulations, all of the recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General Report on Government Programmes Supporting Those in Need (May 2015) should now be addressed.
The audit report found that there was no overall strategy, coordination or accountability for how $50 million in financial assistance was spent annually.
Tamara Ebanks, chief officer of the ministry, said focus groups with other government departments, non-profit organisations, mental health practitioners, landlords and clients of the department have been held since the passing of the act.
This is in addition to consultation with members of the Opposition and “ultimately extensive” input from members of Caucus.
“Consultation with all of these groups has directly improved many aspects of the Regulations,” she said.
The ministry will be hosting town hall meetings across the islands to inform the public about the changes being implemented.
The town hall schedule is as follows:
- West Bay: 6:30-8pm, Monday, 16 Oct. at John Gray Memorial Church Hall
- George Town: 6:30-8pm, Tuesday, 17 Oct. at Constitution Hall (George Town, Town Hall)
- Bodden Town: 6:30-8pm, Tuesday, 24 Oct. at Bodden Town Primary School
- East End: 6:30-8pm, Wednesday, 25 Oct. at East Event Civic Centre
- Cayman Brac: 6:30-8pm, Monday, 30 Oct. at the Aston Rutty Centre
- North Side: 6:30-8pm, Wednesday, 1 Nov. at the North Side Civic Centre
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