Audit finds welfare checks lacking

Weaknesses in the administration of welfare benefits, including insufficient checks, delayed interventions and staffing shortages, came under scrutiny on Thursday as the House audit committee examined a special Audit Office report on the deputy ministry of social welfare.

Deputy Social Welfare Minister Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina and senior officials defended the ministry’s performance, arguing that many of the shortcomings identified had already been addressed through reforms...