Income Support goes through

Wednesday 10th October 2007, 12:00AM BST.

SWEEPING reform to the benefit system has been agreed in principle by the States.

Members yesterday approved the principles of the Income Support scheme by 43 votes to four – backing the combined benefit package over the objections of the Scrutiny panel who reviewed it. Income Support, due to start in January, will combine existing benefits for around 8,000 Island households in a single payment including family allowance, disability allowances and rent subsidies. It is being brought in before the introduction of GST in an effort to protect the poorest people in society from the effects of the extra 3% tax.

Read the full story in the Jersey Evening Post. Click here for subscription details. Individual editions are also available online.