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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2017
Question
Will the Chief Minister identify which specific policies adopted by the Council of Ministers over the last 3 years have been designed to reduce economic inequality in Jersey; and will he provide his assessment of how effective these measures have been?
Answer
Alongside priorities such as delivering a strong economy and sustainable public finances, this Council of Ministers has adopted a range of policies that aim to support Islanders, including those on lower incomes. This is in line with the Strategic Plan, which highlighted better educational and health outcomes as a way to improve social inclusion.
Ministers have introduced policies that reduce unemployment, and have prioritised education, for example through the Jersey Pupil Premium and by increasing financial support for students in higher education. Tax-free allowances have been increased for 35,000 households.
The number of Islanders who say they are finding it difficult to cope financially has fallen between 2014 and 2017, however the Income Distribution Survey would be the appropriate measure of income inequality. Funding is being requested to deliver this survey in 2018.