06 January 2009
Responding to the Parish of St Helier’s draft report on the first six months of Income Support, the Social Security Minister, Deputy Ian Gorst , is writing to the Constable requesting further details of the individual cases highlighted so that the Social Security Department can ensure that the people involved are receiving the right benefit. Deputy Gorst commented: ‘Once this information and any other evidence to support the other claims made in the report are made available, I will fully investigate its conclusions.’
The Deputy went on to say: ‘I am surprised that St Helier staff failed to raise any concerns they had regarding vulnerable individuals as and when they arose. Staff at Social Security constantly liaise with colleagues in other agencies such as Health and Social Services about vulnerable claimants to ensure prompt and appropriate assistance is given when required.’
The Minister continued: ‘The report makes much of the practice of community visiting. Therefore I welcome Scrutiny’s proposal to examine this issue in detail and my Assistant Minister will work closely in this regard with representatives from other relevant departments, such as Housing and Health and Social Services, and the Parishes.’
Deputy Gorst stressed that: ‘Members of the department are always ready to visit anyone at home if they need assistance in making a claim for Income Support. And I would encourage anyone who is aware of a vulnerable person to get in touch with the Department in the first instance. We will then ensure they receive the appropriate assistance from the relevant agency. The Income Support team can be contacted on 445505.’
In concluding, the Minister commented: ‘No one should underestimate the scale of the changes brought in by Income Support, with the incorporation of 14 separate benefits into one. The system is working well with payments continuing to be made on time. All benefit systems evolve over time and the Social Security Department is constantly reviewing the scheme in the light of experience and is always alert to any comments or concerns. The Department is already committed to a full review of the system in 2010, by which time there will be sufficient factual information on which to base an informed analysis.’
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