13.05.2022

THE MLSP WILL INVEST OVER BGN 1.2 BILLION THROUGH THE RECOVERY AND SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (MLSP) will invest a total of BGN 1,224,800,000 through the Recovery and Sustainability Plan of Bulgaria. This is 10% of the value of the entire plan for Bulgaria. The Ministry is the first institution ready to launch a procedure under the Plan. This was said by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy Georgi Gyokov at a blitz control in the National Assembly.

The Reconstruction and Sustainability Plan of Bulgaria sets out 3 reforms and 6 investment intentions within the competence of the MLSP. The reforms are in the areas of minimum income, the process of deinstitutionalization for adults and improving their skills. They will be complemented by the measures financed under the Human Resources Development Program 2021-2027, said Minister Gyokov.

The main focus of the reform in the field of minimum incomes is to expand the scope of support for the needy people with the lowest incomes. Through a change in the Regulations for the implementation of the Social Assistance Act, by 2024 a gradual increase of the differentiated minimum income to 30 percent of the poverty line is envisaged. The document is planned to enter into force on January 1, 2023.

The reform in the field of social services envisages the existing homes for mentally retarded adults, homes for adults with mental disorders, homes for adults with physical disabilities, homes for adults with sensory impairments and homes for adults with dementia to be closed until January 1, 2035 At the same time, all old people's homes should be reformed by January 1, 2025 in accordance with the quality standards of residential care for the elderly over working age, defined in the Ordinance on the quality of social services.

Minister Gyokov also outlined some of the investments that the MLSP envisages in the social department. About BGN 380 million will be set aside for basic digital training for 500,000 unemployed and working people. The construction of 125 new social and integrated health and social services for residential care and 125 accompanying services for people with disabilities is envisaged. 82 existing social services will be reformed according to the new quality standards and energy efficiency activities in approximately 840 existing social services. The budget for this activity is BGN 753 million.

Minister Gyokov also acquainted the deputies from the social commission with the developed measures to support the Ukrainian citizens who fled the war. A procedure is being prepared under which they will be able to receive support for inclusion in employment for a period of up to 6 months. It also provides for the provision of hourly childcare services, as well as psychological assistance, vocational guidance, employment counseling.