Ashford: Stop using 'blunt' tool to determine cost of living support

Calls for household income data to be used instead of child benefit

The former treasury minister has criticised government for using a 'blunt' tool to allocate winter support payments.

David Ashford says household income data should be used to determine who gets cost-of-living assistance.

Currently families which earn up to £50,000 and which receive child benefit receive the full financial assistance on offer; those which earn up to £80,000 also receive the support but at a reduced level.

The Douglas North MHK says he doesn’t understand why government hasn’t changed the system:

Yesterday Tynwald gave unanimous support for a new cost-of-living support package. 

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