Social Security Minister Susie Pinel recently set out a series of measures in the Medium Term Financial Plan to cut £10 million from her department’s spending.
Included in the proposals was a ministerial decision which means that under-25s seeking work while still living at home are unable to claim benefits. Instead, they are included in their parents’ household benefits payment.
The decision, which forms part of ministerial plans to plug the States’ predicted £145 million financial shortfall, also means that, as of yesterday, under-25s whose parents’ income exceeds the benefits threshold will not be able to claim.
However, Deputy Geoff Southern has lodged a proposition calling for the ministerial decision, which do not require States approval, to be annulled so that a debate can be had on the matter.
Previously, jobseekers aged between 19 and 24 were eligible to claim income support of up to £92.12 a week, even if they were living at home with parents who were earning.
In his proposition Deputy Southern said: ‘Members will be aware that ministerial orders are designed to cater for routine or minor matters which should not legitimately take up the time of the States.
‘However, in this case, we have a significant change of policy affecting the wellbeing and income of a significant number of young people.
‘Members will also note that this order has been notified very much at the last minute and in confidence, so that even if a member wished to have the principles of this change debated in an annulment, this was not possible until the order was made, its effect was in place and the first payments were disallowed.
‘Hence this debate cannot take place before 8 September, but payments will have been stopped with effect from 1 September.’
The proposition is due to be debated on Tuesday 22 September.
Several budget cuts have been announced in the last few months, including pensioners’ Christmas bonuses, over-75s television licences and income support cuts for single parents, jobless under-25s and long-term incapacity sufferers
Have any of these affected you or will they affect you in the future?
