Policy Brief
Social Security
Priorities
The Chief Minister’s Ministerial letters , published on 10 August 2022, included a letter to Minister for Social Security, the key part of which said –
During this term of office, I would like you to focus on supporting islanders in response to the cost-of-living crisis. As you will be aware, this was one of the single biggest issues raised by islanders. I am grateful to you for your swift approach in developing the mini-budget proposals for consideration in the Autumn.
Additionally, whilst I recognise the minimum wage is currently part of an open consultation, we should hasten our progress towards a living wage for all, by lifting the minimum wage to £10 per hour. You will have seen this in the "100 days" actions that I provided to the States Assembly as part of my election. It is important we support working islanders.
I also recognise the importance of the commitments you put forward as part of your nomination, including continuing to develop policy related to disability and social inclusion, and crucially, the long-term sustainability of our funds for which you now assume responsibility.
The Ministerial plans for 2024, published on 19 September 2023, included a chapter for the Minister for Social Security. This identified nine priorities –
1. Developing targeted support and polices to help Islanders with cost of living pressures
2. Continuing to adapt and extend the benefits and support available to adults with long term care needs and their carers
- Continuing the review of our incapacity and health benefits to enable Islanders to stay in work and access the primary healthcare they need
4. Developing schemes to address the impact of a changing demographic
5. Ensuring that benefits are well-targeted and effective
- Addressing discrimination and promoting the Disability Strategy and the work of the third sector and voluntary groups
- Monitoring and continuing to enhance the ways Social Security contributions and benefits issues are communicated with the public
- Improving value for money in the delivery of our public services
- Improving the performance of departments and services
Action in 2023
18 specific commitments were listed for 2023 in the Ministerial Plans for 2023 -
1. revising the community cost bonus scheme.
2. implementing a scheme to provide support for families with under five years residency.
3. working with community organisations to improve the coordination and communication of their services on an ongoing basis.
4. supporting workers through increases in the minimum wage and taking actions to improve their rights.
5. implementing a scheme to provide community access to period products for those who need them in Jersey.
6. evaluating the operation of the Long-Term Care Scheme and carers’ benefits.
7. considering the support provided to people receiving care in their own home, their carers and younger adults.
8. improving the communications and guidance provided to these customers and the community to improve understanding of the support available.
9. minimising the impact of health conditions on employees and self- employed people, including an update of benefit rules and setting up a new support service.
10. working with the Minister for Health and Social Services to establish schemes to address.
11. reviewing the operation of the Health Access Scheme.
12. undertaking a high-level review across all benefit areas to identify areas where action is required.
13. reviewing the impact of benefit rules on specific groups (e.g. seasonal workers, pensioners just above the income tax threshold).
14. taking into account of the major ongoing IT project to support benefit administration.
15. completing actuarial reviews of each of the Social Security funds, taking account of new population projections, and taking action where needed.
16. working with the Minister for Treasury and Resources to review the current investment strategies for each fund.
17. initiating a review of standard letters and guidance notes to make sure they are easy to understand and address customer needs.
18. ensuring that the IT systems used to administer contributions and benefits are designed around the needs of the customer.
