On Wednesday, March 8, the Riga City Council’s Social Issues Committee supported amendments to the regulations*, which are planned to ensure a more convenient process of receiving social services and expand the range of beneficiaries, thus providing the opportunity for even more residents of Riga to receive the necessary support
The amendments have been developed in accordance with the needs found in practice to change the procedures for the allocation, submission and payment of social services.
“At the moment, when we plan to adopt the amendments to the 2023 budget, it is essential to make such changes in the regulations, as they allow us to adjust the prices according to the current situation. Until the current convocation of the council, the price level of social services lagged behind the real costs by a year or even three, so the quality or availability of services suffered. At the moment, the changes are planned in a timely manner, analyzing the economic situation and the demand for services,” emphasizes Viesturs Kleinbergs, the chairman of the committee.
Taking into account that the minimum wage has been increased in the country since January 1st, as well as the prices of energy resources and other services and goods have increased, municipal co-financing will be increased for a number of services. This increase in service prices will allow the municipality to provide social services in the previous volume and quality.
The changes will affect children’s “vouchers” or home care services for children with functional disabilities in the form of individualized care services, co-financing services in long-term social and social rehabilitation institutions for adults, psychologist services, “respite” services for children and adults, group home (apartment) services.
Also, changes have been made in the regulations, which will ensure a more convenient process of receiving social services and expand the range of beneficiaries. For example, to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a support group service, victims of violence will no longer need a referral from social services, thus ensuring the anonymity of service recipients.
With the amendments to the regulations, it is also planned to expand the range of persons who will be able to receive the services of the day care center for persons with dementia. It will also be available to people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.
17 types of social benefits and dozens of social services are available in the Riga municipality.
