THE funding, administration and management of benefits within Wales will be devolved to the Welsh Government from April.
Changes in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 mean that certain elements of the Social Fund scheme, currently run by the Department for Work and Pensions, will be abolished and replaced by a new local provider.
This contract has been awarded to Northgate Public Services, who will deliver the Welsh Social Fund for two years.
Funding for the programme is estimated to be around £10 million per year for two years. The Welsh Social Fund will be entirely grant based and will look to address the wider needs of applicants, particularly those who are vulnerable and financially excluded.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here