Fraser stands firm against push to widen constituency aid

Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has resisted pressure from Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn to reshape the constituency funding arrangement, arguing the present system serves its purpose despite complaints that it falls short.

The row surfaced during recent House of Assembly debate. Walwyn characterised the policy as inadequate, noting that constituency office budgets cover only rent and staff wages, leaving representatives powerless when residents arrive seeking immediate help.

"Somebody walks into your office saying they hungry, you can't give them anything," Walwyn said during the debate.

Walwyn added that elected officials routinely dig into their own pockets to assist constituents, straining personal finances and leaving residents feeling obligated. He said the system needed practical overhaul to genuinely meet community demands. A committee would be formed to explore reforms, he disclosed.

Fraser countered by framing the current arrangement as a lifeline restored to representatives after earlier changes stripped away their discretionary powers. He attributed the policy's creation to Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley, who devised it when elected officials lost access to assistance grants.

"He came up with a constituency policy, making it possible for us to do something in our district," Fraser said.

While indicating he would not block colleagues pursuing changes, Fraser made his personal stance unambiguous: he would reject any expansion of his own funding.

"Whatever additional monies you put in there, I don't want to see it. I don't want to know it exists. I don't want to go near it. I'm happy the way it is right now," he stated.

The clash reflects deeper disagreement over district assistance that has persisted since major reforms took root. A 2022 Commission of Inquiry recommended scrapping the old system where House members and ministers handed out discretionary grants. Instead, assistance would flow through the Social Development Department using set eligibility standards. That shift occurred in June 2022, with additional legislative changes implemented in 2024.

The CoI also advised that any publicly funded district initiatives operate under transparent criteria, open assessment processes, and community input rather than decisions made by elected officials alone.