An amendment to stop Family Nursing and Home Care losing �79,000 of its funding was put before the States by St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft.

But he withdrew his proposal after strong opposition from Health president Senator Stuart Syvret and other members of the States.

Senator Syvret said it would be grossly unfair to other groups and health staff which had already made savings.

Insufficient information

He said Family Nursing had assets worth more than �2.2m in properties and investments and surpluses of over �217,000 for the last two years.

Senator Syvret's comments were backed by Deputy Sarah Ferguson, who described the amendment as ill-thought out and inequitable.

Constable Crowcroft withdrew the amendment, saying members did not have enough information, but he said he would be back with it in the New Year.

The States approved a 4% increase in the budget for Jersey's Overseas Aid Committee, giving it just over �5.5m to spend - a rise of about �270,000 on the previous year.

Financial help

Budgets for health and education were also approved, with the Education Committee receiving just over �87.25m - three quarters of which will go on staff costs.

Meanwhile, about 4,000 islanders will get more financial help for their health from the start of next year.

The States is increasing provisions under the island's health insurance scheme for those on low incomes, people with young families and those with special needs.