The Minister for Social Care, Chris Robertshaw MHK, has today contacted the media to respond to certain comments which have recently been made by Mr David McWilliams about his social security benefits position and about my Department’s policies in relation to disability benefits and the Manx Pension Supplement.
Minister Robertshaw said:
'Mr McWilliams has stated on the radio stations that as a result of changes in policy relating to the Pension Supplement and disability benefits he stands to lose £87 per week, which he cannot afford to do. As I have previously stated, my Department, in conjunction with the Treasury, is currently carrying out a fundamental review of the Island’s social security and National Insurance policies. This is a long-term project which includes a review of all benefits, including the State pension, Pension Supplement and disability benefits, as well as all other benefits. It is completely wrong, and somewhat reckless, of Mr McWilliams to say that the Manx Pension Supplement is going to go, as we are far from being in a position to make any decisions about that or any other benefit. I can also confirm that there has been no change in policy in relation to disability benefits and that I am absolutely committed to protecting the vulnerable. Indeed, the rates of disability benefits, that is Attendance Allowance and Disability Allowance, were actually increased from April this year, generally by 1.8%.'
The Minister went on say:
'I also wish to categorically refute Mr McWilliams’ statement to the radio that his benefits have recently been reduced by £12 a week. Whilst for legal reasons I am unable to divulge specific details of Mr McWilliams’ benefits, I can confirm that his overall benefits package actually increased from 8th April this year. Following changes unanimously approved by Tynwald in March, whilst one element of a particular benefit he receives reduced by a small amount other elements of that benefit as well as other allowances he receives were uprated by a greater amount. Furthermore, assuming his circumstances do not change, there is no reason to believe at this time that the value of his benefits package will not go up again next April.'
The Minister concluded :
'Mr McWilliams may also have given the impression that he receives benefits worth less than £10,000 a year. Whilst again for legal reasons I cannot state publicly the total value of the benefits paid to Mr and Mrs McWilliams, I can say that it is significantly greater than the £10,000 a year he has alluded to and substantially more than a couple in their circumstances would receive in the UK.'
