The Northern Division recorded the highest number of recipients under the Poverty Benefit Scheme in the 2022-2023 financial year, with 6,119 households receiving assistance.
This is revealed in the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection 2022-2023 annual report that was tabled in Parliament yesterday.
This figure places the region ahead of all other divisions, including the North West (4,723) and Central Division (4,514), according to data released by the Ministry responsible for social welfare.
Nationwide, a total of 24,312 households benefited from the scheme, with 3,595 new families added and 3,063 reviews completed to determine continued eligibility.
The Ministry said the Northern Division’s high uptake reflected the socio-economic challenges faced by families in the region, including limited access to employment and income-generating opportunities.
The Poverty Benefit Scheme was allocated a revised budget of $35.86 million, of which 84 percent was utilised during the financial year.
Other divisions supported include South Eastern (3,732), South West (3,704) and Nasinu (1,520).
