Call for 1.5% compulsory ageing care contribution

People in Jersey could have to pay more for care in older age.

Jersey's social security minister is looking at bringing in compulsory contributions that could be set at 1.5% of earnings each month.

Deputy Ian Gorst said it was needed to help with the costs of caring for an ageing population.

He said: "Rather than us be faced with a shock at the end of our lives, this is a scheme we would all pay throughout our lives."

One in four people in Jersey may need care in the final years of life and a number of islanders have voiced concerns about how much that could cost.

The social security minister wants the compulsory contribution to be made by employees, the self employed and pensioners.

The States would also give about £30m a year towards the cost of caring for older people in Jersey.

The benefit would only be available to people with 10 years continuous residence in the island.

The new long term care benefit could be introduced in 2013.