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Islanders who receive the maximum long-term incapacity benefit will next year be eligible for the 'Cold Weather Bonus', after politicians unanimously backed a Reform Deputy's proposal.
The States Assembly yesterday voted to approve the proposition, lodged by Deputy Beatriz Porée, with 42 votes for, 0 against and 0 abstentions.
Her argument to extend the pool of Islanders eligible for the bonus was that "health issues tend to be exacerbated in colder weather and these vulnerable individuals are more at risk of suffering from general ill health as the winter progresses".
The bonus, recently amended so that recipients receive a fixed sum of £70 a month, aims to help people with heating bills as well as buying warm bedding and clothing. The £70 payments are made between October and March, adding up to £420 over the course of the winter.
The new measures will come into effect in January 2024, but the Cold Weather Bonus is paid three months in arrears, so it should be backdated.
Congratulations to Deputy Beatriz Porée, who has just won her first States proposition.
— Reform Jersey (@ReformJersey) October 3, 2023
This will provide extra assistance to a small number of vulnerable Islanders who had previously fallen through the cracks. pic.twitter.com/fLMVorbJPx
Reform Jersey, shortly after the brief debate, made a statement congratulating Deputy Porée on winning her first States proposition.
The party said: "This will provide extra assistance to a small number of vulnerable Islanders who had previously fallen through the cracks."
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