Riga short of LVL 1 million necessary for payment of welfare benefits

That is why the department will ask that an extra LVL 1.08 million be allotted for the payment of welfare benefits through amending the 2010 Riga budget at an extraordinary Riga City Council meeting.

The Welfare Department of the Riga City Council informs that the number of welfare benefit recipients has increased 27 percent in the first six months this year compared to the same period last year, which is the main reason for the insufficient funding for welfare benefits.

Although Riga's unemployment rate has been decreasing since February, it is expected to increase again in the fall when seasonal jobs will end.

Riga City Council's Social Affairs Committee will decide August 31 whether to call an emergency Riga City Council meeting as requested by the Welfare Department.

LETA