Names of Proposers and Seconders
- Mary Costigan
- Terry Riley
- Janet Peters
- Andrew Foley
- Donna Barry
- Derek Mason
- Michael Baptista
- Noelia Baptista
- Malcolm Ray
- Elizabeth Higham
As the mother of three grown-up children and nanny to two, I hear the views of all ages. I do know how hard it can be to live in Jersey, especially on a low income or a modest pension.
I have enjoyed and been privileged to be one of your Deputies for many years. I work closely with others in the Parish. We meet regularly with the Havre des Pas Residents Group, also Residents at the Waterfront.
In those years I prevented an 800 space multi story carpark planned for Ann Court, as housing was more important, and I worry about pollution in Town. I Supported the creation of the Town Park and want to see it expanded. Helped get St Helier back into the Battle of Flowers
The last 4 years I have been Minister for Social Security. I also have responsibility for Disability, Diversity, and Inclusion. Unfortunately, due to Covid, some projects have been delayed. Myself and my team have made Improvements, some listed here.
Children & Families:
I introduced 6 weeks paid parental leave for all working parents and up to a year off work in total for each parent
- Up to 32 weeks parental benefits provided for every family which replaced maternity grants.
- Significantly Increasing Social Security / Long Term Care caps (for fairness & income inequality). I increased higher earnings limit from £160,000 to £250,000 so employers of higher earners would contribute more, the extra money raised helped pay Paternity Benefits.
- FREE GP surgery visits for Children in Income Support families (up to age 17)
- From September this year working with 2 Ministers for Children there will be FREE Sanitary products in every school from year 6 (aged 11) upwards for all who need them.
Disability:
- Disability strategy fully funded and operational with a project manager appointed, as well as 2 Disability Inclusions officers.
COVID:
- I chaired the Community Task Force –set up quickly and worked with the Parishes, voluntary and community sector, and businesses to support vulnerable people during Covid. Behind the scenes I worked long hours, with others, to put in place systems and finances to help people across the community stay safe and get financial support.
HOUSING:
- The Jersey Homes Promise accreditation will see developers give purchase priority to first time buyers, they will be the first in the queue. Jersey families, owner occupiers, those wishing to right size will also be prioritised. Developers will also offer assisted purchase initiatives as standard -pay-as-you-go deposit schemes, shared equity, legal and mortgage help. I worked on this with the Housing Minister.
- Health Access Scheme Reduced fees for all GP visits for 11,000 people from low-income groups, people pay £12.00 per visit. There is work now to look at the other groups who struggle with GP fees, work delayed by Covid. If re-elected I want to support a Health Access Scheme for people who worry about paying the Doctor.