Bulgaria's labour ministry and the National Association of Municipalities (NAMRB) have discussed a single set of rules for how councils report on and apply the Personal Assistance Act. The rules should apply in every municipality that provides the help, the ministry said.
Deputy labour and social policy minister Nadya Klisurska met NAMRB representatives to discuss common practices, clear rules for the monthly report and better service for users and assistants.
"The aim is to end the differences in local practice and make official procedures more predictable," Klisurska said. She said the aim is also "to make sure all users and assistants are treated equally".
The talks also covered joint steps to share good practice and a better link between national and local government. The ministry says personal assistance needs clear, equal rules and less red tape, and should focus on the rights, dignity and needs of users.
The ministry also reminded councils of the deadlines in the law. An assistant gives the provider a report on the hours worked within the first three working days of the month after the one being reported.
By the 10th, the municipality sends a financial report to the Social Assistance Agency. The assistant is paid by the 20th of the following month. The ministry says the deadlines must be kept so that documents are processed on time and the pay owed is paid.
At the end of September, the Economic and Social Council held a public debate with ministers and representatives of institutions and organisations. Participants discussed how to create a single code for social support that would improve current law and make the support system clearer and easier to use.