PM Andrew Holness Announces Annual Housing Support for Pensioners

Press Release From The Office of The Prime Minister - 2024/07/17:

Prime Minister Holness Announces Annual Housing Support for Pensioners Under New Social Housing Programme
"I want to say to our pensioners that you are always forefront in our thoughts as we try to structure the economy, so that you are able to survive in it.” -Prime Minister Holness
 

In a significant move to support the most vulnerable members of society, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced new provisions under the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) to assist pensioners in need. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to caring for those who have dedicated their lives to the nation and now require support in their later years.

Prime Minister Holness addressed the critical issue of housing for pensioners facing hard times, particularly those without a place to live. He affirmed his commitment to using the New Social Housing Programme to provide support to these individuals.

“Today, I am making a commitment to grant the executive body of the Government Pensioners Association (GPA) the authority to recommend two beneficiaries each year under the New Social Housing Programme," stated Prime Minister Holness.

This initiative will allow the association to recommend two pensioners each year who are in genuine need of housing assistance. However, Prime Minister Holness emphasized the importance of a thorough assessment to ensure that the benefits reach those who truly need them. 

"There is no public benefit that is given without assessment. We have to assess that the person actually needs the benefit. So we would depend on the association to make the recommendation," Prime Minister Holness said.

To qualify for this support, beneficiaries must either own land or have permission to build on land, as construction cannot proceed on land without proper authorization. The Prime Minister highlighted the necessity of having access to land and meeting need-based criteria to ensure the legitimacy of the assistance provided.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness reiterated the government’s dedication to improving the lives of pensioners, acknowledging the challenges while also recognizing the progress made. 

"I want to say to our pensioners that you are always forefront in our thoughts as we try to structure the economy so that you are able to survive in it. I'm not here saying that it is a perfect economy. I'm not here saying that there aren’t challenges. I think that we should recognize where changes have been made, where improvements have been made, and where persons are getting benefits now that they were not getting before."

The Prime Minister said this initiative is a part of the broader effort by the government to address the needs of the most vulnerable and ensure that the benefits of economic restructuring reach every corner of society. 

Prime Minister Holness was speaking today (July 17) at the Government Pensioners Association in Kingston.

 

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