E&SS boss says benefit reform cost rise is necessary
ESCALATING costs of benefit reforms have been defended by the president hoping to get them funded.
Employment & Social Security president Michelle Le Clerc said factors behind the increase included better quality data on household compilation, changes to the tenancy profile, inflation and more units of social housing being created.
She was speaking after Policy & Resources president Gavin St Pier revealed, in his financial update to the States on Wednesday, that the cost of implementing the Social Welfare Benefit Investigation Committee’s reform had increased.
It is currently estimated that it will now require additional ongoing funding of almost £4m. each year, as against the estimate of £3.2m included in the Medium Term Financial Plan.
When initially unveiled last term it was thought the costs would be £2.9m. annually after two years.
‘Yes, it is £4m., but this is money going to some of the poorest families we have got in Guernsey and in the absence of any policy on poverty, E&SS are at least putting forward a policy which will help those people with the most of need,’ said Deputy Le Clerc.
Full story in today's Guernsey Press
