From Kenneth Godfray.
IRRESPECTIVE of the current financial climate, Jersey is still a very wealthy Island. We all contribute to that wealth but we all do not share in it.

As with everything else here it starts with the wealthiest rather than the poorest. In spite of the long standing high cost of living and the global trend of increased cost of everything, pensions and benefits are still governed by 1974 law.

Annual increases are determined by percentage rises in the Jersey average earnings index. In 1974 tourism was still supreme, in 1982 we had money coming out of our ears – no problem making a gift of £5m to the Falkands. Cost of living was very much lower 34 years on and without successful tourism the cost of living is soaring out of control, despite a successful finance sector which, in five months’ time, will be even more successful with abolition of corporate tax, resulting in a loss of £100m in taxes.

People on average earnings are struggling to survive. Old or young, the cost of living is still the same, but the means of coping with it are very different. If average earnings cause a struggle, minimum wage is worse, with pensions and benefits off the map.
Pensioners during their working life contributed to the wealth and it is well past time for reform. We, among many, saved for old age and to be financially independent and it is supposed to be the aim of the States that we should be, yet by doing so we became victims of the States through means testing.

Income Support is an example. The highly intrusive 27-page questionnaire is an abuse of privilege and human rights, from people we elected to represent us, who legislated against means testing for themselves, yet control our lives with this method and low thresholds. Using the same method on themselves, most would not draw the generous salary, expenses and perks we pay them, due to their independent means.

Income support is a travesty. There should not be any poor in our wealthy Island but there are. Rather than to put more money in the pot, the States are clawing back benefit through the questionnaire. Many like myself, with savings, knew no help would be available so did not return the questionnaire. The result was withdrawal of benefit for my wife and I of transport and milk subsidy, neither big benefits.

I am at 82 years old, 80 per cent incapacitated and mobility is a huge problem. My wife is also incapacitated but she is the driver. Transport is essential, so I have to use my savings to help us – that’s caring. Remember this at the polls and use your vote. We need those who will work for us, not for the wealthy and the finance sector as now.
Soleil d’Or, Manor Court,
Undercliffe Road,
St Helier.