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2017.03.28
8 Deputy G.P. Southern of the Minister for Social Security regarding figures showing
the real-term reductions which had been made to Income Support components: [1(200)]
Let us try again. Will the Minister produce for Members the figures relating to real-term cuts in income support components that demonstrated a reduction in disposable household incomes and which she made available to Deputy Tadier at the end of her response to his Oral Question 1(163) on 14th March 2017?
Deputy S.J. Pinel (The Minister for Social Security): Yes. Thank you.
- Deputy G.P. Southern :
Understood. I am glad for that response from the Minister that will release the figures she had in front of her at the time when she failed to produce those answers. She said: “I have a long list of figures but I have some figures I could give to the Deputy if he would like.” Why did the Minister withhold those figures? Because I have them in front of me now and they suggest that the £45 worse-off figure that was given for a couple with one child over the past 8 years was mirrored by the department’s calculation which was £43.79, as near as could be to £45, and that the figures given for single parents of £55 for old claims worse off and £75 for new entrants to the Income Support Scheme …
The Deputy Bailiff :
Could you please ask the question? Deputy G.P. Southern :
The question started way back, why did the Minister withhold these? Because they are in front of her, they were not complicated and they agree with the figures that were suggested in the question.
The Deputy Bailiff : Very well. Minister. Deputy S.J. Pinel:
I do believe I have answered the Deputy ’s question. The Deputy appears well informed about the Social Security numbers and figures so for the benefit of all Members, the officers are compiling a brief explanatory text to accompany the figures and these will be sent to all Members today.
The Deputy Bailiff :
Would you like a final supplementary, Deputy ?
- Deputy G.P. Southern :
Since we are running out of time, and I seem to be the one that is taking it up, will the Minister admit that the figures presented by Reform Jersey of £45 worse off over the past 8 years since 2009 for a couple with one child in terms of the components of income support, and the figures of £75 for new entrants and £55 for old entrants were in fact fairly accurate by her own department’s figures?
Deputy S.J. Pinel:
I reiterate, I have answered the question and all Members will be in receipt of those figures today.