Guernsey States to increase income support rates

Kian Ingrouille said an increase would help him to afford rent and food

Benefits rates are set to go up by 2.9% after the move was overwhelmingly supported by deputies.

The Committee for Employment and Social Security (ESS) proposed a 2.9% rise to income support.

It followed a States decision in April to reject increases to pensions and benefits.

The earlier decision had resulted in dismay for some of those struggling with day-to-day living costs.

Among them was Kian Ingrouille, 22, who lives in social housing.

He said: "I feel like the government and the States don't care about people like us. They care more about people who can contribute more money in tax.

"It's been hard for us, we are on set incomes at the moment. The States have raised our rent, but we don't get an increase in what we earn.

"If we get this increase we can at least pay rent and have money to feed ourselves."

ESS President Deputy Peter Roffey said the increase was for "people really living at the bottom of the pile - living on a basket of goods that is a fairly meagre way of living."

"This States hasn't really delivered for people struggling with the cost of living crisis," he added.

"I really hope we can get this proposal through to help."

Tracey Austin said the cost of living crisis had made life harder

Policy and Resources President Deputy Peter Ferbrache declined to support the increase when it was voted on in April, but backed them on Wednesday.

"I'm supporting this now because it is targeted," he added.

But Mr Ferbrache also warned of the States own financial difficulties.

He added: "Policy and Resources has recently approved the States 2022 accounts and they show a pretty awful picture of our financial position, even worse than what I thought a month ago."

Tracey Austin who claims income support said the cost of living crisis has made life "incredibly difficult" and an increase to income support would help with bills.

In March Guernsey's top committee, Policy and Resources (P&R) said it would not support plans for an increase to benefits and pensions as they were "not targeted."

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