Benefits set to rise by 3.6%

BENEFIT payments could rise by 3.6%, if the States agrees to the Social Security Department's recommendations.

But the Treasury and Resources Department has warned that the increase could take money away from other areas.

The proposals, which will be discussed by the States in the October meeting, could see benefits for unemployment, sickness, maternity and industrial injury rise from £136.99 a week to £141.89. Supplementary benefits would rise by 3.1%.

It is predicted that the supplementary benefit budget, which helps give extra support to a variety of people, including jobseekers, people who are pregnant, carers and single parents, will rise to £20.2m. next year.

Treasury and Resources Minister Gavin St Pier, pictured, warned that government was trying to cut costs.