30 January 2007
The Minister for Social Security, Senator Paul Routier, welcomes the response he has had following the public consultation on Income Support proposals. Senator Paul Routier said: “I am extremely grateful to all those people who have given their time to reply to this extended consultation. We have received individual letters, people have completed questionnaires at the end of the consultation document, and my Assistant Minister, Deputy Peter Troy, and I have also led three workshops which combined has given us real insight into the practicalities of the new proposals. The views expressed have been invaluable as we considered the details of the new scheme that will be contained in the regulations.”
The Income Support Scheme will be implemented over the summer and replaces a series of disjointed means tested benefits with a benefit based on current means with one income assessment. The means tested benefits that will be become redundant include rental subsidies, Parish Welfare and non-contributory benefits such as Family Allowance and Disability Transport Allowance. Senator Routier commented: “I am delighted that there was overwhelming support for the principles of our proposals which will target resources to those most in need more fairly and more efficiently.” He continued: “We have considered every response and have reacted by changing our proposals for the regulations. For example, we listened to the comments made around the definition of full-time employment and also the limit of time needed to be spent as a carer and amended our proposals accordingly.”
The Housing Department and the Social Security Department are now contacting those people whose benefits will be affected by the implementation of income support. “The new forms are large but they are necessary to ensure that those currently receiving benefits will continue to receive money from the new Income Support Scheme. By using this one form the process of issuing up to 14 forms to households has been avoided. I would ask everybody who receives a form to complete it as soon as possible, and to contact the Department if they have any difficulties. This will ensure that when the old benefits cease to exist no-one will be left without financial support.”
Senator Routier concluded “I warmly thank all those who have contributed to the consultation and recommend the response document to all as an informative overview of people’s expectations for the new Income Support system”
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