The shortage of Community Welfare staff is causing delays in dealing with applications for Supplementary Welfare Support.

The issues such as cost of fuel, food and basics to have a warm home, food on the table are very real and the Governments response was to advise people to contact their Community Welfare Officer.

Unfortunately, with the increase in demand for help the Community Welfare Offices are overrun with queries.

This unprecedent demand has led to delays in dealing with applications.

The Department need to increase their resources immediately to deal with the demand.

There is also a responsibility on Government to ensure the service they have recommended is resourced sufficiently to cope with the increase demand.