The committee says building maintenance is under threat

Earlier this month, Housing President Deputy Terry Le Main said says the rent rebate system for States tenants is too generous and that the Committee wants to stop paying subsidies to those it says can afford to pay, as well as cut other benefits.

But now a group of 15 politicians, which is led by Senator Ted Vibert, is concerned plans to change the system of claiming housing subsidies will hit people on low wages the hardest.

The group has said it thinks a decision should wait until the House debates a low-income support scheme first.

Building maintenance

The Housing Department pays out about �23m in subsidies a year that comes out of the income it receives from tenants in the private and public sectors.

Deputy Le Main said this is too generous and its building maintenance programme was under threat.

Senator Vibert's group got together because they felt they were being kept in the dark over government business.

Senator Vibert said the new group is a forum for politicians who do not agree with some of the measures being proposed in the States.

It claims the Housing Committee has not done its sums right.

The Housing Department, the executive arm of the Housing Committee, said the committee tries to meet the housing needs and aspirations of all residents to obtain secure and affordable homes.

Welfare cash

Meanwhile, all taxpayers in Jersey could have to fund parish welfare bills if new proposals are accepted.

There has been a series of meetings this year about how to meet parish welfare bills. Islanders have discussed whether the money should still come from the parishes themselves or if the States should take over.

The Constable of St Helier wants the States to pay parishes back for money they have spent on welfare every quarter.

Constable Crowcroft claims there has been strong support for taxpayers to foot the bill.

He argues its not fair for people in the bigger parishes to pay relatively high rates for a benefit which is shared by the whole island.