Skip to main content Skip to accessibility
This website is not compatible with your web browser. You should install a newer browser. If you live in Jersey and need help upgrading call the States of Jersey web team on 440099.
Government of Jerseygov.je

Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Cost of Living Temporary Scheme (COLTS): payment increase

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

  • demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision

  • providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made on 25 July 2022

Decision Reference:  MD-SOSEC-2022-481

Public

Subject: Cost Of Living Temporary Scheme (COLTS) Payment Increase

 

Report Title: COLTS Payment Increase

Public

Decision(s):

Following agreement from the Council of Ministers, the Minister for Social Security decided to increase the Cost Of Living Temporary Scheme (COLTS) payment value (per person, per household) from £20 to £40, effective from the August 2022 payment run.

Reason for Decision(s):

In light of the rising cost of living being seen by Islanders, and as part of the cost of living support “mini-budget” proposed by the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, it has been decided to increase the value of COLTS payments for a period of 5 months until the scheme ends in December 2022.

Resource Implications: The initial estimated spend for COLTS was £2 million. This increase in payment value will see the estimated cost rise for 5 of the 9 months the scheme will be live. The estimated additional spend is £1.1 million, this additional funding will be drawn from existing CLS income support and tax funded departmental budgets.

Action Required: Senior Policy Officer to confirm decision with Group Director of Customer Services and request payment values be increased in time for August payment run. Senior Policy Office to update COLTS policy guidelines to reflect the payment value change.

Signature:

 

 

Signed By: Minister for Social Security

Date Signed:

 

 

Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

 

 

Back to top
rating button