Standard of living could fall despite benefit increase

Sat, 19 Feb 2022

By Sarah Hendy - Local Democracy Reporter

Living standards on the Isle of Man could fall, despite the increase in some benefits.

Douglas Councillor Devon Watson has shared his concern that the increase many benefits have seen does not match the pace of inflation.

He says this could lead to more widespread poverty on the Island.

While income support for carers has risen by 26.4%, incapacity benefits for example, have gone up by just 3.1% compared to inflation which currently sits at 6%, so anyone in receipt of a long term incapacity benefit will get an extra £3.55 per week, or £184.60 per year – had the increase been in line with inflation, this might look more like an extra £353 per year.

With gas prices increasing by 27.%5 last October, rates on the up and electricity likely to follow, it’s easy to see the cause of Councillor Watson’s concern.

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Standard of living could fall despite benefit increase

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