THE States Assembly is to debate extending a scheme which provides an extra £70 a month to vulnerable households to help with bills during the winter.
Last year, in response to increasing energy costs and the rising cost of living, the scheme saw monthly payments made to 3,800 households to help with their heating bills. Covering the period from October to March, the scheme replaced a system which used the temperature the previous month to determine how much money households would receive.
Recent reports from the Retail Price Index have indicated that fuel prices have stabilised over the past year. However, Jersey Electricity announced that electricity prices will increase by 12% at the start of 2024 – equating to an estimated £3 increase in an average weekly electricity bill.
With the planned price increases and the ongoing pressures of the cost of living, Social Security Minister Elaine Millar has proposed to extend the monthly £70 scheme through this winter.
Deputy Millar said: ‘Last year, we provided essential support to over 3,800 households by granting monthly payments of £70 throughout the winter months to offset heating costs, following worldwide escalation in energy prices.
‘The impact of this scheme was that these households received 58% more support than normal.
‘I am delighted to present plans for the continuation of this invaluable scheme for the upcoming winter, as it serves to assist eligible pensioner households and low-income households that include young children or individuals with disabilities.’
The proposal is due to be debated in the Assembly on Tuesday 12 September.
