The Sol Plaatje Local Municipality (SPLM) informed the Committees that it has a process of identifying qualifying indigents. The SPLM reported that verified indigents are subsidized for free basic services such as water (that is 12 kilolitres per month); electricity (that is 50 kilowatts); refuse removal once a week; and sanitation. The SPLM further reported that a budget of R20 million was set aside for 2009/2010 for free basic services and R7 million was spent as at 31 January 2010. A total of 8 900 indigents were verified versus a target of 16 000 in the 2010/11 financial year. Furthermore, the SPLM reported that the indigent policy is being reviewed. However, a new approach to identify indigents is being implemented which is similar to 'best practice' investigation by other municipalities.