Social security spending tops £200m

Pensioners could be better off and job seekers would be encouraged to get back to work, as part of proposed changes to social security spending.

Next week Tynwald will be asked to approve a near £12 million,increase in spending, bringing the total bill to over £200 million.

Subject to approval, the budget for the state retirement pension will rise by almost eight per cent, as the number of pensioners increases by over 700, and additional state pension for those on income support will rise considerably.

The DHSS also wants to abolish Jobseeker's Enhanced Allowance in certain cases, to encourage people to return to work.