AuGD reviews efficacy of social benefit distribution

The Pamela Monroe Ellis-led Auditor General’s Department (AuGD) is conducting a performance audit to determine whether the delivery of social benefits to the poor and most vulnerable is effectively and efficiently managed.

The performance audit, dubbed ‘Managing Government’s Social Benefit Programmes’, will place the spotlight on non-contributory social benefit programmes.

With the audit scheduled for completion by June 2024, the AuGD says it will “focus primarily on assessing the administration of social benefit programmes by various central government entities and local authorities in distributing social benefits to the poor and most vulnerable in society”.

According to the AuGD, the study will consider the effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of social benefits to identify what is and is not working and make recommendations for improvement.

“In scoping this study, we have considered carefully how the audit will contribute to the AuGD’s wider strategic aim to promote improvements in the use of public funds through better governance and resource management,” the department said.

The AuGD says that well-designed and managed social benefit programmes should target the most vulnerable persons in society to ensure that these individuals receive the support they need to improve their well-being. In this regard, benefit distribution should be timely and responsive to the needs of those who are considered poor and most vulnerable.

In 2021, the poverty level in Jamaica was estimated at 16.7 per cent of the population, reflecting a 5.7 percentage point increase relative to 2019.

The AuGD reasons that the relatively high rate of poverty underscores the importance of effective social protection programmes to achieve Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan (NDP) National Outcome No. 3, which speaks to effective social protection.

One of the NDP strategies to achieve this national outcome is to “create and sustain an effective, efficient, transparent and objective system for delivering social assistance services and programmes”.

The AuGD says it is seeking to gather diverse perspectives and opinions of stakeholders, such as beneficiaries, civil society, and community organisations, to understand the varying needs and experiences, which will inform the study topic and recommendations.

Comments relevant to the AuGD’ study can be sent to the department by completing its feedback form on its website or email the agency at audgen@auditorgeneral.gov.jm.