Amendments to the Financial Assistance Regulations have led to increases in the allowances paid to seniors living with relatives and a $200 increase in disability allowances, Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler said on Friday.

Speaking in the House of Assembly, the Minister offered an update on his ministry's "May 2008 Score Card".

Highlighting the Financial Assistance changes, he said: "An increased caseload and increasingly diverse and complex range of cases led us to make a change. We conducted an exhaustive review of the cost of living and its increase, which resulted in certain allowances for those eligible."

Mr. Butler said the seniors allowance was raised in order to enable them to make a contribution to their households.

"We were aware of many senior citizens living with relatives, and if not for the support of their families, they might have to live in an institution," he said. "Yet, they want to make a contribution to the home — and we want to help keep families together. So we increased the allowance for eligible seniors... "

And the Minister said other increases reflected rising costs of groceries in order to ensure an adequate standard of nutrition.

Mr. Butler also said his Ministry is "slowly but surely implementing a plan to ensure better financial reporting for the Parish Councils". He said some had struggled with financial management but that Windcrest Management has been contracted to help councils with book-keeping and the appointment of Ottiwell Simmons as Parish Council Coordinator should help these efforts.

The Minister also urged business to support the Bermuda Student and Graduate Registry (www.careers.gov.bm). He said the site has received over 2,000 visits since May 6 with 78 job postings and 57 employer contracts. He said a guide to the registry is being mailed out to Island employers.

"Moving forward this has to be a joint effort," Mr. Butler said. "Employers need to register and post their job opportunities. Students need to register and keep their profiles updates so that employers can reach them. Parents, you need to encourage and guide your young people. So, we all have a responsibility for, and a stake in, the success of this project."

As Heritage Month drew to a close, the Minister praised the organisers of the Bermuda Day Parade, saying they "went the extra mile" by preparing a 30-page commemorative booklet on life in Old Bermuda, recognising artist, teacher and social activist Georgina Russell Hill, Stan "Lord Necktie" Seymour; and outstanding "Onion" trailblazers Dame Lois Browne-Evans, Dr. Roosevelt Osiris Nelson Pauulu Kamarakafego Brown, Orien Young and Michael C. Preece.

And Mr. Butler urged the community to "stand up" and support a public campaign about drug misuse and encouraging the responsible consumption of alcohol. Fliers have been send to all households to promote the "Stand Up campaign", he said.