President Nikos Christodoulides announced a major social policy package expanding school support staff to 1,875 posts and substantially increasing five key disability and mobility allowances using funds from economic growth.

Expanding School Support for Children with Disabilities

The Council of Ministers this week approved increases to a number of social benefits, as well as the creation of 290 new posts for school assistants and escorts supporting children with disabilities, President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Saturday.

In a post on X, President Christodoulides said that the Council of Ministers had taken “two important decisions of particular social significance that will significantly improve the daily lives of our fellow citizens”.

Firstly, he said, 290 new school assistant and escort posts have been approved for children with disabilities, bringing the total number to 1,875.

Strategic Increases to Welfare and Mobility Allowances

Secondly, he announced “a substantial increase in five social benefits aimed at achieving the goal of independent living for our fellow citizens with disabilities”.

Specifically, the President said the measures include a 50% increase in the grant for the purchase of a vehicle, a 33% increase in the mobility allowance, a 10% increase in the personal assistance and home care allowance, doubling the allowance for participation in Day Centres, and the inclusion of almost 5,000 additional beneficiaries by 2028.

Economic Growth Supporting Social Inclusivity

“Without doubt, these are social policy decisions with real substance”, President Christodoulides said.

He added that these decisions were possible “because of our responsible economic policy, which enables us to invest in areas that improve people’s daily lives and to return the benefits of economic growth to society”.

The President said the decisions are helping to build “a Cyprus that supports, that is inclusive, that leaves no one behind - a Cyprus that is changing”.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)