Jersey charity hits out at ministers for 'lack of concern' towards struggling islanders

Caritas says Jersey's government must focus on those living in poverty as some islanders feel they are being ignored. Credit: ITV Channel

The Jersey charity Caritas has hit out at ministers, saying the current "political soap opera" is taking focus away from helping islanders who are struggling in the cost of living crisis.

The group has released a damning statement after feeling "disappointment, dissolution and downright anger" over the lack of attention to locals' needs.

Caritas, which supports those in poverty, says it has seen a rise in the number of people relying on food banks in recent months.

It follows the increase in electricity and water rates as well as food prices, with milk going up by 7p per litre on Monday 7 January.

Caritas says the States must bring their focus back to the island's needs rather than arguing amongst themselves, referring to the upcoming vote of no confidence in Chief Minister Kristina Moore.

Caritas's Chief Executive Patrick Lynch says: "We hoped that 2024 would see a positive change and a real focus from our politicians on the real issues for islanders.

"Instead, we are being treated to another unsightly bout of in- fighting and evidence of a clear lack of concern or empathy for the everyday struggles that so many of their fellow islanders are enduring.

"We ask that as soon as next week’s internal wranglings are concluded, whatever the make-up of the Council of Ministers, they immediately give long overdue focus to the devastating poverty."

Jersey's Social Security Minister, Deputy Elaine Millar, told ITV News in response: "I absolutely agree that none of us want a vote of no confidence at the moment, it's disrupting and distracting.

"But we are still very much focused on helping the community. We did a lot of work at the end of last year, so for example, the minimum wage went up to £11.64 on 1 January, that's a significant increase."

Caritas added that some users of their service have reacted angrily after a government pledge to bring in a statutory living wage was later rolled back.

Mr Lynch added: "We also ask the government to apologise for the assertion that a Living Wage is not desirable, something which therefore implies they believe poverty is desirable."

Responding in December, Assistant Social Security Minster, Deputy Malcolm Ferey, told ITV News: "I personally am committed to that, this government is committed to that but it has to be at the right time.

"We are committed to bringing low-paid workers' wages up as far as we possibly can."

The charity has invited ministers to make contact with them in "an open and collaborative manner ... to complete a proper review of the Living Wage".