Income Support & Jobseekers Allowance are 'simply not enough to live on', according to standing committee

Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance on Island are 'simply not enough to live on', according to a standing committee.

That's one of the conclusions made by the Select Committee of Tynwald on Poverty in its report on income and benefits on the Isle of Man which is going before members of the court this week.

The panel has made 15 recommendations in its report, which include the minimum wage transitioning to the living wage within five years and free travel passes should be included in passported benefits available to those on low incomes.

As part of its summary, the panel says: "In many cases, benefits are not enough to live on, and often lack any policy basis. We are concerned that instead of assessing need, the system is based solely on what can be afforded; whilst affordability is important, so is making sure that everyone on our Island has a decent standard of living. We must ensure that funding is being targeted where it will have the greatest effect.

"Clearly, there is scope for significant opportunities to improve accessibility through online application, for better signposting, and for the integration of other services. There is also scope to reduce the stigma of claiming benefits.

"In an environment where people are likely to have chaotic lives, simplicity is key."

The committee has also concluded there's no evidence to suggest long-term unemployment due to unwillingness to work is an issue on Island and no-one should feel it's preferable to go into debt at a time of need instead of seeking support.

A link to the report is available here.

https://www.tynwald.org.im/business/opqp/sittings/20182021/2021-PP-0105.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0KMl74Xg--7Vl89F47oKpMVZBIP3ka5AsazgXHy4i1OwfluMK45zwH-_o