The Hastings-Quinte Social Services Department is bracing itself for any increase in welfare costs because of the economic downturn. Members of the Joint Social Services committee said this year’s budget should have money available for this. Director Eric Frye says he expects to see an increase in people on social assistance, possibly about July. Frye says the increase will come when employment insurance benefits run out for those who have been laid off. He says there will be a contingency fund in the 2009 budget.
