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Islanders who receive income support could see their benefit payments increase by 8.6% next year, if proposals are approved by the States Assembly.
Social Security Minister Elaine Millar yesterday published her proposals to increase income support payments in line with this year's peak ‘low-income RPI’ figure – which shows how inflation affects households in the lowest fifth of total income.
The change, which would cost the Government around £7.9 million annually, would "make sure that income-support households are protected over the coming year", she said.
If the States Assembly votes to approve Deputy Millar's proposals, payments for adults and children, household expenses, private rental costs, personal care, mobility, childcare and carers will all be increased from 1 January 2024.
Pictured: Deputy Millar said she was "pleased" to put forward this "comprehensive package of income support increases, which will enhance the support provided to low-income families."
There will be no changes to the Health Access Scheme, introduced in 2020, which allows adults and children in income-support households to access GPs at subsidised rates.
Deputy Millar explained: "The 'low income RPI' figure peaked at 8.6% in March 2023 and reduced to 6.4% in June, with the downward trend set to continue.
"Providing an increase based on the highest point of recent low income RPI values will make sure that income-support households are protected over the coming year."
The nearly £8 million cost of the increase has been included in the 2024 Government Plan, released earlier this week.
Income-support tenants in social housing are automatically supported with the full cost of their rent.
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