States doesn't have "political will" to tackle poverty

Friday 14 August 2020

Current States Members have "wasted the opportunity to do something meaningful" to address in-work poverty, according to Deputy Chris Green, who is unimpressed with the most recent attempt to improve living standards.

The Scrutiny President has attempted to tackle the issues facing those in Guernsey's working community who are living on the breadline over the past four years, but with little luck.

Last year, his committee attempted to direct various other committees, including Health & Social Care and Employment & Social Security, to investigate ways of alleviating poverty by improving equity of access to healthcare and new housing policies.

But, a successful amendment laid by two members of Policy & Resources changed those plans.

Now, P&R has published a new set of proposals on Improved Living Standards, due for debate next week, along with an amendment asking that they be included in the island's covid recovery strategy.

Pictured: In-work poverty is said to affect 14% of Guernsey residents.

"I think the policy letter is very underwhelming and disappointing," Deputy Green said. "That said, I do note that there is an amendment to it from two members of P&R that will ensure the whole 'Revive and Thrive' strategy will have to be mindful of inequality and relative poverty issues, which is something.

"I was expecting to see tangible new policies in this policy letter, but that is not what it contains."

If approved, the strategy will have a focus on "providing an environment which supports those in our community most at risk of deprivation and gives them the opportunity to thrive."

Also on the cards for debate next week is a policy letter from Employment & Social Security, Education, Sport & Culture and Health & Social Care, which Deputy Green sees as a potential "sign of a new direction".

If approved, it will completely get rid of family allowance for higher-earning households and will use that money to subsidise the cost of children's healthcare appointments.

Pictured: If approved, new proposals could cut the cost of children's GP appointments.

"[The policy letter] is positive, as long as it is fully thought through," the Scrutiny President said. "These proposals don't really go far enough because it is not just children who face inequalities of accessing healthcare; for example, those with chronic conditions will not benefit from the latest proposals, which is accepted in the policy letter itself."

However, P&R has already said it cannot fully support the committees' proposals due to a lack of informed planning and evidence. 

"Social policy, or perhaps more specifically, social policy for those struggling with in-work poverty issues, has not been a big feature of this States I am afraid," Deputy Green added. "Much progress could have been made, but ultimately there has not been the political will to carry through a suite of policies to help the people affected.

"The last four years have been something of a wasted opportunity to do something meaningful about in-work poverty, but maybe the next States will do a bit better."

Read more...

Committees using "blunt instruments" to fund healthcare plans

"Covid recovery should target better living standards"

Pictured top: Deputy Chris Green.