Jersey Senator calls for more GST help

Senator Le Gresley wants an increase in the income tax threshold

A Jersey politician wants more to be done to help people on low incomes if a rise in the goods and services tax comes in.

Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf wants to increase GST from 3% to 5% from 2011.

But Senator Francis Le Gresley, former head of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Jersey, said that would hit low-earners and pensioners hardest.

People on income support will have their benefits increased to compensate for the rise.

Senator Le Gresley said that was not enough and the States had a duty to look after older people and families on low incomes.

He wants the exemption threshold for income tax to be increased by more than 3% next year.

If his proposals are agreed it will mean a single person will be able to earn just over £13,000 before paying tax, and a married couple nearly £21,000.