A TASKFORCE could be set up to tackle the issue of child poverty – but no budget has been allocated yet, the Chief Minister has said.
In an attempt to “identify real practical help based on advice,” Senator Farnham revealed he, and other minister, met a delegation of local charities and other experts over the summer, with a further meeting planned next week.
The Chief Minister said: “The government is considering a number of options for how we can bring a stronger, more co-ordinated focus to these issues, including whether a task force, or commission, or similar time-limited body could help identify practical measures to improve affordability and support families.”
He added that no decision had been made about the “form, timetable or budget”, but said that addressing the cost-of-living crisis “will play a central role in the Common Strategic Policy”.
When questioned whether funding would be included in the 2027 Budget, Senator Farnham said he hoped the government’s spending proposals will build on measures previously introduced including providing free GP visits for children, extended childcare provision, free school lunches in primary schools and significant additional funding for children services.
St Helier Constable Inna Gardiner raised the fact that financial hardship is particularly concentrated in her parish, stating that “45% of households in St Helier reportedly could not afford an unexpected necessary expense, compared with 22% in rural parishes”.
Senator Farnham said that while the statistics did suggest the cost-of-living crisis impacted St Helier residents at a high level, he added that it would be difficult to target support to a specific part of the Island and that he wanted to ensure that “support is available wherever it is needed”.
