More financial support for unpaid carers approved

The additional money will help carers

Additional government support for Jersey families who look after someone with long term care needs has been approved.

The States Assembly passed plans to give families on income support- that care for individuals supported by the long term care scheme- an extra £30 a week.

A total of 265 families will benefit from the plans which aim to help cover the hidden costs of caring.

The proposition was passed almost unanimously by the States Assembly on Tuesday with 43 votes in favour of the motion and two abstentions.

Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, Minister of Social Security

Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, the social security minister, who put forward the proposition said she felt it would make a real difference to families.

“We know these families will have additional costs to bear, due to the provision of that care and the extra needs of the individual receiving that care", she said.

"The team have been meeting families face to face to ensure that what we are offering will help families who need it most.”

The extra money could be used for increased utility bills, or additional sanitary or incontinence products, Ms Feltham added.