Pensioners feel the pinch

Elderly people are among the poorest in Jersey according to a report out this week.

The Income Distribution Survey found the gap between rich and poor on the island is still wide, with pensioners and those on low incomes struggling financially.

It's prompted calls for a closer look at the island's minimum wage.

The figures are revealing. The average household's income stands at just over £32,000. That's 64% higher than the UK. But despite appearing to be much wealthier, one in seven homes are considered to be in the low income bracket. And a low income means anyone earning less than £400 a week.

Pensioners account for 50% of the lowest income homes in the island - Perhaps not surprising when the State Pension is £178 per week. And as the minimum wage on the island is £250 per week, one politician says it's more tempting for islanders to stay on benefits.

St Helier No. 2 deputy Geoff Southern says minimum wage needs to increase, while housing costs need to decrease. He said: "On past history the States wishes to usually bury its head in the sand and ignore issues of poverty on the island. And certainly at the moment with the gung ho charge for cuts, cut this, cut that, I think that's very much not going to happen. In fact, it's being made worse by the savage nature of the cuts to public services."

But the States do have a £100 million deficit to plug - a task made even harder now they face this added pressure of needing to bridge the gap between rich and poor. (from CTV)

Are you feeling the pinch?

Do you think families in the Islands are better off than in Britain?

What do you think the States should be doing?