Latest news with #EmploymentandSocialSecurity
ITV News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- ITV News
Lindsay De Sausmarez makes history as Guernsey's first female Chief Minister
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, who topped the poll in June's General Election, is Guernsey's next Chief Minister. She becomes the first woman to hold the top job, after serving as Environment and Infrastructure President in the last States. De Sausmarez only decided she was running for the position less than a week ago, but saw off competition from Deputies Jonathan Le Tocq and Mark Helyar to be elected as the President of the Policy and Resources Committee. She won the support of 22 of her colleagues in the first ballot, meaning she was immediately elected as she received more than half of the total votes cast. Reacting to the result after it was read out, De Sausmarez says: "I wasn't expecting this at all. "I don't have anything prepared, so I'll have to sit down now but I will shake everyone's hand." Who is Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez? - Born and bred in Guernsey, De Sausmarez is 47 years old and lives in St Martin's with her family. - She was first elected as a deputy in 2016. - De Sausmarez emerged as a powerful political figure in the last States, serving as President of Environment and Infrastructure, and Vice President of Employment and Social Security. - Seen as a progressive politician, she is a keen environmentalist and supported the modernisation of Guernsey's abortion law. Want the inside track on the key issues that will shape Guernsey's Election this June? Listen to Guernsey Votes, an ITV Channel podcast packed with expert guests, local insight and analysis you can trust... De Sausmarez topped the poll in June's election, receiving 10,721 votes - she was the only candidate to get the backing of more than 50% of those who cast their ballots. When De Sausmarez announced she was standing last week, it became clear that today's vote was likely to be her coronation. Over the past few weeks since her poll-topping election victory, I've been told by some deputies that the world of Guernsey politics really was her oyster as no matter which job she chose to run for, she would receive a lot of backing. There is no doubt she is an extremely hard-working politician, regularly lodging amendments and getting policy letters passed. She is also not afraid to call out inappropriate behaviour - something that she tells me is fundamental to improving the nature of politics. Many would say that fiscal policy isn't De Sausmarez's bread and butter, so how she will deal with one of the island's biggest fiscal decisions (whether or not to progress with the GST+ package) will be fascinating to see. That being said, the whopping amount of support she has received today will not go unnoticed, especially in a political environment that has previously been characterised by division and bitterness. De Sausmarez will now put forward who she would like to serve with on Policy and Resources. Some names being mentioned include former Chief Minister Deputy Gavin St Pier, as well as Deputy Charles Parkinson, who earlier this week stood aside for De Sausmarez. Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq may also continue in his role as External Relations Minister. That being said, there is no certainty that those she wants to serve end up being elected. The decisions will be made by all States members when they vote on the rest of the senior committee members on Wednesday, with the Presidencies of the other committees chosen on Friday. Then next week, elections for the other members of these committees will happen in the Assembly. The first States' meeting will take place on Tuesday 15 July.
BBC News
25-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Guernsey adds one affordable home in two years
Guernsey added one affordable home to its housing stock between 2022 and 2024, according to a new report from the island's said in the previous eight years the island added 333 affordable homes, an average of more than 41 a island had 27,695 domestic properties at the end of 2024 including just over 1,600 open market properties, the report developers had previously said the island's affordable housing policy was blocking development because of the added costs. The States has been contacted for comment. However, in 2024 the States voted to suspend the rule, known as GP11, for five the time, Employment and Social Security President Peter Roffey warned the suspension would mean the burden of affordable house building would fall solely on the report said only 111 domestic properties were unoccupied in 2024, 0.4% of the created 142 new housing units in 2024, while 70 units were removed - an overall increase of 72 units.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Islanders to pay more to access residential care
Changes to how long-term care is funded in Guernsey aimed at stabilising and encouraging growth in the private care home market have been approved by States members. Over the next 15 years the number of people over the age of 85 is expected to more than double in Guernsey with more than 130 new care home beds needed by 2030. Currently islanders qualify for long-term care benefit and respite care benefit if they have been resident for five years, but this will be increased to 20 years. The agreed changes to the Long-term Care Insurance Scheme (LCIS) include a new user-pays contribution of up to £10,000 and increasing co-payments. The weekly payments will rise from £342.02 to £514.00 over a five-year phasing-in period beginning this year while the lump sum will be brought in at a later date. Deputy Peter Roffey, President of Employment and Social Security, brought forward the proposals and said he was delighted they were approved. "It was absolutely vital, otherwise we would have stood no chance at all of stabilising and expanding the care sector, which we desperately need." He said accepting the proposals was the first step to creating a competitive market to meet demand and improving the pay of care workers. "Recruiting and housing staff will be very difficult, but at least now we have the financial awards properly aligned with what they should be. "It gives us a fighting chance of seeing expansion." Deputy Al Brouard's amendment to increase the number of years someone must live in the island, before accessing financial help to pay for care, from five to 20 also passed. A "sufficient connection" to the Bailiwick over that period will have to be demonstrated. Roffey said he felt the qualification level was 'harsh' but he respected the decision of his colleagues. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Labour of love: Carers call for States support Islanders in care face paying thousands more Longer residency may be needed to qualify for care States of Guernsey
BBC News
20-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Guernsey residents to pay more to access residential care
Changes to how long-term care is funded in Guernsey aimed at stabilising and encouraging growth in the private care home market have been approved by States the next 15 years the number of people over the age of 85 is expected to more than double in Guernsey with more than 130 new care home beds needed by islanders qualify for long-term care benefit and respite care benefit if they have been resident for five years, but this will be increased to 20 agreed changes to the Long-term Care Insurance Scheme (LCIS) include a new user-pays contribution of up to £10,000 and increasing co-payments. 'A fighting chance' The weekly payments will rise from £342.02 to £514.00 over a five-year phasing-in period beginning this year while the lump sum will be brought in at a later Peter Roffey, President of Employment and Social Security, brought forward the proposals and said he was delighted they were approved."It was absolutely vital, otherwise we would have stood no chance at all of stabilising and expanding the care sector, which we desperately need."He said accepting the proposals was the first step to creating a competitive market to meet demand and improving the pay of care workers."Recruiting and housing staff will be very difficult, but at least now we have the financial awards properly aligned with what they should be."It gives us a fighting chance of seeing expansion."Deputy Al Brouard's amendment to increase the number of years someone must live in the island, before accessing financial help to pay for care, from five to 20 also passed.A "sufficient connection" to the Bailiwick over that period will have to be said he felt the qualification level was 'harsh' but he respected the decision of his colleagues.
