WHEREAS the October 2010 CMHC Rental Market Report for Kelowna indicates average rents far exceed the shelter allowance portion of BC Assistance, and the cost of living, particularly shelter, in this province has continually increased without corresponding adjustments to the levels of assistance; AND WHEREAS thousands of low-income households in our city are paying far in excess of 30, the majority in excess of 50, of their gross income before tax on shelter including adults with disabilities who may have greater expenses than seniors in order to address the needs of their disability, including access to special needs housing: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial Ministry of Social Development be asked to increase current assistance rates and implement a program to adjust those rates annually based on the BC Average Annual Consumer Price Index; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the provincial Ministry of Social Development also be asked to increase assistance for adults with disabilities to the same level of assistance available to seniors.
Ministry of Social Development Like many other provinces, B.C. is not in a financial position to consider increases to income assistance and disability assistance. An increase in not part of the governments current fiscal plan. This government believes that work is better than welfare and our rates for clients who are expected to work support people to transition to work. For employable individuals, income assistance is meant to be a temporary support and has never been intended to permanently replace full-time work. B.C. recognizes that a variety of approaches are needed such as tax measures, subsidized housing options, child care subsidies, medical services, disability supports and employment programs aimed at reducing poverty and breaking the cycle of homelessness. Thats why we have committed to working closely with the UBCMs Healthy Communities Committee to develop local poverty reduction strategies that would address the real challenges families are facing in metro, urban, rural and remote settings. Seven communities will be selected, comprising a mix of rural, urban, remote and metro, to pilot strategies that target the unique needs of families living in poverty. Successes from pilot communities will provide insight into strategic approaches for other B.C. communities. Government will work in partnership with municipal governments, local community organizations, service providers and business representatives to develop strategic, measurable plans focused on reducing poverty, mitigating its effects and supporting services for low income families. We recognize support in needed for people with disabilities to participate in employment or other community activities. The ministry realizes people with disabilities have additional barriers to overcome and may require additional financial supports. This is why we provide B.C.s highest rate of assistance to persons with disabilities 906 a month and the fourth highest rate compared to other provinces. In addition, they are offered a 500 earnings exemption to encourage them to work as they are able. Clients receive significant additional income from federal and provincial tax and child benefit programs. This ranges from 50 per month for a single employable client to well over 1,000 per month for a client with two or more children. All clients are also eligible for a wide range of health and other supplementary benefits to meet a variety of unexpected or additional needs. Persons with disabilities with significant disability and health expenses can receive more disposable income after these needs are met than on OASGIS.