Charity blasts ministers for in-fighting while islanders struggle

The Council of Ministers talk too much "about themselves" and have "no focus on the real issues" a charity has said.

Caritas Jersey has asked "what about us?" to the government regarding upcoming votes focusing inside the chamber as opposed to outside issues.

It noted the upcoming vote of no confidence and a debate about which members' names should be called first on the states register.

CEO Patrick Lynch said the first two months of 2024 were the most difficult.

"After the very difficult year that 2023 proved to be for so many islanders when poverty escalated and foodbank use increased exponentially, we hoped that 2024 would see a positive change and a real focus from our politicians on the real issues for islanders," he said.

"Instead, we are being treated to another unsightly bout of in-fighting and evidence of a clear lack of concern or empathy for the everyday struggles that so many of their fellow islanders are enduring at present."

'Devastating poverty'

So far at the beginning of 2024, islanders have seen a price rise of 12% for electricity, a price hike of 12p per day for water and a 5% rise in the cost of milk.

The living wage rose from £12.19 to £13.41 for 2024 but the government said it would not be raising the minimum wage alongside it as it was not "feasible or desirable".

Mr Lynch said he wanted ministers to commit to supporting a living wage and to apologise for implying "poverty is desirable" with its use of language.

He said: "We ask that as soon as next week's internal wranglings are concluded, whatever the make-up of the Council of Ministers, they immediately give long overdue focus to the devastating poverty that so many people in Jersey are now enduring.

"We also invite them, in an open and collaborative manner, to engage with Caritas and our partner organisations, who have the necessary contacts, worldwide, and know the subject matter, to complete a proper review of the Living Wage and subsequently make good on their previous commitment to raise the minimum wage to parity with the Living Wage by the end of this assembly in June 2026, for the benefit of all islanders."

The government has been contacted for comment.

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