November 2009
The Citizens Information Board's Pre Budget Submission argues for priority to be given to targeting welfare supports at people most in need whilst acknowledging the significant pressures on the public finances at present and the related challenges of framing a budget that addresses the most urgent needs in society. Over 400,000 people have used Citizens information Services (CIS's) around the country in the first half of 2009 and there has been a significant increase in queries related to the economic downturn, particularly in relation to social welfare entitlements and issues related to job loss. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) has also seen increased demand for its services. The submission draws attention to the needs and concerns of clients of CIS's around the country and the need to reflect the diversity of situations and to intervene appropriately. There are those who have recently lost jobs and are coping with managing on a significantly lower income. There is a growing number of self-employed people out of work who cannot access social welfare supports. There is also a clear need to ensure that the relative position of those who are long-term dependent on social welfare and social housing provision, e.g., people with disabilities, is maintained. For those who never had to rely on welfare previously, negotiating the social welfare system can be daunting. More dynamic and flexible welfare responses are required to protect the needs of jobless households in the current crisis.
