The State Government is under pressure to respond to growing numbers of people applying for government assistance in the form of the Hardship Utilities Grant Scheme.
The HUGS grant provides assistance to Western Australian’s experiencing financial hardship who are at risk of having their utilities disconnected.
Treasurer Ben Wyatt is expected to provide an unprecedented top up to the scheme after it was revealed in October more than half of the $20 million budget had been spent in the first three months of the financial year.
Mr Wyatt said yesterday he wants to make the scheme more sustainable.
“The Government has been closely monitoring the uptake of HUGS and will consider whether further changes are required in order to ensure the scheme is able to assist people experiencing severe financial hardship.”
He maintains those most in need will still have access to help, but has said the mid year budget review on December 20 will contain decisions made about the scheme.
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