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WQ.273/2023
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BY DEPUTY B.B.DE S.V.M. PORÉE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 5th JUNE 2023 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 12th JUNE 2023
Question
“Will the Minister advise whether any consideration is being given to setting the Cold Weather Bonus at a fixed value (regardless of temperature) for the winter months of October 2023 to March 2024 to assist with the cost of living; and if not, why not?”
Answer
Yes, this matter is under consideration.
The mini budget set out by the Council of Ministers last year provided immediate and ongoing relief to Islanders in the face of sudden increases in the cost of living. This included a change to the way that cold weather payments and the cold weather bonus were paid over the 2022/2023 winter. Monthly payments were fixed at £70, approximately double the value provided in previous years and a steady amount was guaranteed, regardless of the temperature experienced during the month.
The significant increases in income support components and income tax allowances as at January 2023 continue to provide additional support to local households. The cold weather legislation has already been updated to take full account of the rise in fuel prices (as recorded in the Retail Price s Index) for 2022 and 2023.
A ministerial Cost of Living Group meets on a regular basis. The need for further action before the coming winter is under review.