HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:

1  The Minister responsible for the processing of income assistance shall prepare a report on alternatives in payment processing to individuals receiving assistance.

2  The report must consider but is not limited to considering the following:

(a) providing welfare, disability assistance or other income assistance in multiple payments throughout a month as opposed to single monthly payment,

(b) alternative payment systems that enable responsible spending of assistance.

3  The Ministers conducting this consultation must consult with, but are not limited to consulting the following:

(a) the Union of British Columbia Municipalities,

(b) individuals receiving welfare, disability assistance or other income assistance,

(c) groups advocating for those receiving welfare, disability assistance or other income assistance.

4  The Minister shall prepare a report and deliver it to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia within twelve months of Royal Assent.

5  This Act comes into force on the date of Royal Assent.