Deputy labour and social policy minister Nadya Klisurska met representatives of the National Association of Municipalities in Bulgaria to discuss a single method for reporting under, and applying, the Personal Assistance Act in all municipalities, the ministry said.

The talks concerned municipalities that provide personal assistance. They covered common practices, clear rules for monthly reporting and better service for users and assistants.

Klisurska said practices differ between municipalities, so one method is needed. The aim is to close the gaps, make official procedures more predictable and treat all users and assistants equally.

Both sides also discussed joint steps to share good practice and to improve cooperation between the state and municipalities.

The ministry reminded municipalities of the monthly deadlines set by the law. An assistant must send the provider a report on hours worked within the first three working days of the month after the one being reported. The municipality must file a financial report with the Social Assistance Agency by the 10th. The assistant's pay must be paid by the 20th of the following month.

The ministry said the deadlines must be met so that documents are processed on time and the pay owed is paid. The overall aim, it said, is for personal assistance to work under clear and equal rules, with less red tape and with attention to the rights, dignity and needs of the people who rely on the support.

At the end of September, the Economic and Social Council held a public debate on a single code for social support. Ministers and representatives of institutions and organisations took part. They discussed whether the code could improve current law and make the system clearer and easier to use.