PS/Açores calls for updated funding for misericórdias and IPSS
Azores GuidePS/Açores called for higher funding for social institutions in the Azores, citing uncertainty over financing and a delayed study of service costs.
PS/Açores called on the Regional Government to update funding for Santas Casas da Misericórdia and private social solidarity institutions (IPSS) in the Azores. Socialist deputy Marco Martins made the remarks during a meeting with URMA, União Regional das Misericórdias dos Açores, in Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira island. He warned of "great uncertainty" over financing for the sector.
Martins said the institutions face an extremely challenging situation. He said many did not have the financial conditions last year to ensure the Christmas subsidy for workers.
He criticised this year's 2.4% funding update under the cooperation agreement for the Azores, saying it was below the 4.7% registered nationally, plus additional majorations. Martins said an increase could be implemented without presenting the study on the costs of social responses.
According to a note from the PS/Açores parliamentary group, Martins criticised the Regional Government's position on the study of the real cost of social responses. He said the study was about three months late and blamed the regional secretary of Social Security and Regional Government president José Manuel Bolieiro.
Martins also referred to a public warning issued during URMA's general assembly at the weekend on Flores island about difficulties paying workers and suppliers. He called for coordination with the Government of the Republic and said the region's IPSS and misericórdias need a timely, fully adjusted response.
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Azores Guide
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