Guernsey's pensions could rise by £5 a week
Guernsey's pensioners could be better off next year if States members agree the benefit and contributions rates for 2011.
A single pensioner on the full rate would pocket an extra £5.04 per week under the Social Security plans. If the States approve, pensions and other contributory benefits will rise by 2.9%. The plans also include increases to a number of benefits including the winter fuel allowance and family allowance. The winter fuel allowance, which was not increased last winter, could increase by 8.7% to £24.67 a week from October through to April next year. Prescription charges could rise 10p to £3 per item from January and family allowances by 40p to £15 per child per week. Supplementary benefits may rise by the rate of inflation except for 16 and 17 year olds, which would drop from £79.31 to £65.03 per week in a move to encourage them to either continue in education or find work. The plans also include a new long-term care benefit for people in residential homes who are assessed as elderly mentally infirm. The proposals are due to go before the States at the end of September.