The International Monetary Fund is calling for improvements in social programmes in Antigua & Barbuda to better support vulnerable people.
In its concluding statement following a mission visit in September, the IMF team said there were many social assistance programmes being handled in an uncoordinated way by various public entities.
The IMF says consolidating the programmes would be helpful but there is a need for a centralised information system to provide an accurate record of all beneficiaries to keep track of the support they receive and identify gaps in coverage and duplication.
Chief among the agency's concerns is how subsidies and government support are administered.
The IMF adds that there is a need to move from generalised subsidies and support toward targeted programmes, the benefits of which are periodically recalibrated to reflect cost of living changes
According to the 2023 Budget estimates, Social Security and Medical Benefits were budgeted at 41 million Eastern Caribbean dollars, with the budget for pensions being 74 million EC.
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