26 October 2006
Following overwhelming approval for the Income Support Law by the States Assembly on October 10 2006, Senator Paul Routier , Minister for Social Security, is urging members of the public to respond to the consultation paper on Income Support, published at the end of September.
Senator Routier explained that the consultation paper had generated a number of responses and comments but that he wanted to make sure that the views of as many people as possible were put forward, so that they could influence the detailed design of the new scheme.
“ The Income Support scheme will affect almost everyone in Jersey – many families and individuals will receive an Income Support benefit and everyone who pays tax will be contributing towards the cost of the scheme. This is a major change in the way we provide financial support. The main Law sets out a basic framework, but my department now has to fill in all the details before next year. The public has a real opportunity to influence the final design of the scheme by putting their views forward.”
As an example, he quoted a recent letter published in the Jersey Evening Post, which suggested that Income Support payments would be made monthly by the Social Security Department, and that this could result in people having difficulty in budgeting.
“I am grateful for all comments regarding the new scheme and will be sending a copy of our consultation document to the gentleman concerned, but would like to reassure the public that the Department has considered the frequency of payments and will be proposing that Income Support payments be made weekly, to ensure that people can budget easily”.
Some parents have been in touch with the Department asking about the future of the School Age Discount Scheme, which provides discounts for after-school care for primary age children. “There has been some concern about the Discount Scheme being withdrawn when Income Support is introduced. However, one of the major aims of the new scheme is to help working parents with young children. We are proposing that a childcare component will be available through Income Support to parents of children up to the age of 12. This component will replace the discount scheme and will provide better support for parents than currently exists. This is our intention – but we want to hear what parents think, ” said Senator Routier.
The consultation will end on November 20, and the results will be published before the end of the year. Copies of the consultation paper can be obtained from the Social Security department and local parish halls. It is also available on www.gov.je
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