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WQ.429/2019
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BY DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 22nd OCTOBER 2019
Question
What preparations, if any, are being made to support those on low incomes following Brexit in the event that there is a rise in prices or a shortage of goods, given that advice has been given by the Government to stock up on essentials?
Answer
In order to minimise the immediate impact on vulnerable groups in the event of a No Deal Brexit, the Government is working with the Connétable s, parish administrations and the charitable sector to operate a central advice and assistance hub, which will be located at an accessible location in St Helier. Vulnerable people will be able to access the service through Customer and Local Services, or Citizens Advice Jersey, to request food, essential items and other support.
In addition, volunteer support is being coordinated by individual parishes, to ensure that essential supplies are provided at home to vulnerable Islanders with limited mobility.
The Minister for External Relations, Senator Gorst , has also issued a statement on government preparations. He has explained the ways we can respond if there are possible reductions in the choice or availability of food and essential supplies.
Senator Gorst 's statement is appended to this answer. In particular, we don't expect to run out of food in the event of a No Deal Brexit. However, there might be a reduction in the range available, especially fresh food, or an increase in prices.
If the disruption to prices continues for more than a short period the Government has various options it can take, some of these are under the Income Support legislation but we can also target additional support to charities who help vulnerable people.
There is no evidence at the moment to suggest that these extra steps will be needed.
If any Islander has concerns about the impact of a No Deal Brexit they can contact the Government's Brexit support line on 01534 440401.
0ct 3: Senator Ian Gorst
Statement on No-deal Brexit support for vulnerable islanders
The Government of Jersey has confirmed that it is working closely with parish Connétable s and the Island's charitable sector, including Citizens Advice Jersey, to provide additional support for vulnerable Islanders in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
The Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst , commented:
"In preparing for a no-deal Brexit it is critical that we have measures in place to assist vulnerable and low-income Islanders with possible reductions in the choice or availability of food and essential supplies.
"While we don't anticipate food shortages, there may be a reduction in the range of products available, especially fresh food, or an increase in prices that could have a disproportionate impact on those who are of low income or are receiving income support.
"In the event of a no-deal Brexit, we will provide short-term support to operate a central Advice and Assistance Hub that will supplement the essential work carried out by Jersey's voluntary and charitable sector. We also intend to keep food prices under close review, and the Minister for Social Security has the ability to review income support payments if we see a sharp fluctuation in the cost of essential items that islanders regularly buy."
Full details of the scheme to support vulnerable Islanders, including how to apply to the scheme and the location of the central hub, will be published shortly.
Members of the public who are concerned about their ability to prepare for a no-deal Brexit can contact the Government's Brexit support line on 01534 440401.