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WQ.444/2020
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2020
Question
In light of the recently announced large-scale reviews of the contributory funds within the Minister's remit, will she state –
- whether such reviews will take into account the impact of the living wage and eligibility considerations and the interaction with non-contributory funds (i.e. Income Support), and
- when she will engage with States members over the terms of reference and scoping documents for these reviews, and if it not her intention to do so, why not?
Answer (a)
We are planning the reviews now. The reviews will look at how we can improve the sustainability of health care and old age pension costs, including the Social Security and Health Insurance Funds.
I will take into account economic factors, including employment and wages, and the latest advice from the Fiscal Policy Panel. The reviews will not extend to Income Support which is not paid out of the contributory Social Security Funds.
(b)
It is not normal practice for terms of reference and scoping documents to be brought to the States Assembly for approval. I will work with my ministerial team and the Council of Ministers on the terms of reference for the reviews. I will keep my Scrutiny panel informed of progress. Work on planning the reviews has already started and I expect to agree the details in the near future. Following the reviews, my intention is to bring proposals to the Assembly during 2021 for approval.