Employment head rebuts welfare reform criticism

CRITICISM of planned social welfare reforms overlooks the benefits to all members of the community on low income, according to Employment & Social Security president Michelle Le Clerc.

Employment And Social Security president Michelle Le Clerc has attributed the 25% increase in her committee’s funding request to having better quality data on household compilation, changes to the tenancy profile, inflation and the need for more units of social housing to be created. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 19293921)

Deputy David De Lisle has spoken out against Swibic’s proposals to spend an extra £4m. a year on benefit reforms at a time when the States ‘should be reducing costs, not adding to them’.

‘The welfare reform proposals – amalgamating supplementary benefit and rent rebate – are totally unaffordable and unsustainable,’ he said.

‘The £4m. a year saved by dropping this could be spent on updating housing properties, improving neighbourhoods and thereby minimising intrusive rules for those living in States housing.’

However, Deputy Le Clerc has defended the plans, which have risen from £3.3m. to £4m. since their implementation was delayed last year.

‘We have already got a maintenance programme and part of our income goes towards that programme, but that doesn’t help people in the private rental sector. By amalgamating both of the systems [social and private] there will be more transparent help available.’

Full story in today's Guernsey Press