Deputy opposes allowance changes

Deputy Southern is concerned some will end up in a benefit trap

It is claimed housing tenants in Jersey on disability and invalidity allowances could get into debt if their rents are increased.

As part of changes to the rents system on the island, the Housing Committee has announced invalidity and disability allowances could be assessed as income.

Deputy Geoff Southern wants to stop these proposals because he believes they will cause hardship.

He said many people on these benefits had no way of making up the extra money needed to pay rent increases.

He said disability allowance was compensation for people who had suffered an injury, while invalidity benefit is income replacement for those who are unable to work.

He is concerned if the changes are brought in, people will go into arrears with their rent and end up in a benefits trap.

Deputy Southern said he wanted the proposals to be debated again and was planning to bring a motion to the States to get them stopped.