Auditor General, Pamela Monroe Ellis has clarified that the performance audit report into government’s social benefit programmes was not about the efficacy of the programmes, but how they are administered.
The report released earlier this year found that among other things, various social programmes had similar objectives and overlapping functions, covering parts of or the same areas of interest with little or no coordination in the distribution of benefits.
Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness rejected the findings of the AG’s report on the New Social Housing Programme, defending it as a well-structured and transparent initiative that has operated without any misappropriation, duplication or corruption.
He also dismissed claims of inefficiency or duplication, highlighting the programme’s rigorous beneficiary identification system.
He noted that individuals might access multiple forms of assistance to meet their overall need.
Questions about overlapping in the programmes were raised at yesterday’s meeting of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, which is reviewing the Auditor General’s report on government’s social benefit programmes.
Mrs. Monroe Ellis explained that the conclusion was not about the benefits paid to beneficiaries.
She said administration of the social benefits programmes is fragmented, and this is a disadvantage to beneficiaries.
She called for the use of technology to improve service delivery and minimize costs.
