The Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme is administered by the eight regional health boards on behalf of my Department. Unlike other schemes, it contains a number of discretionary elements which are without prerequisites for a scheme which must be flexible and responsive to immediate needs. The combination of discretion and the fact that the scheme is administered by separate health boards are factors which have contributed to certain inconsistencies in the operation of the scheme. I have acknowledged that these need to be addressed.
The supplementary welfare allowance service can be improved significantly by standardising the application process for supplementary welfare allowance payments. This would involve the introduction of a common application form for all supplementary welfare applications in all health boards and the provision of better information to clients on the reasons for a board's decision.
I have established an advisory group under the chairmanship of my Department which includes representatives from all health boards to examine aspects of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The group has been asked to consider the design of such a form and will consider also the information and appeal requirements.
A review of the supplementary welfare allowance appeal system is also under way in my Department and, when concluded, it is my intention to set down certain criteria for the operation of appeals under the scheme. These initiatives will improve consistency and transparency in the operation of the scheme and will ensure equitable treatment for all applicants.