A standard hourly rate for long-term care benefits, to go towards the cost of home carers, is being introduced at a rate of £34.80 from 2025.

Social Security Minister, Lyndsay Feltham has set out an action plan for the domicilary (home) care sector.

It follows a review from health consultants LaingBuisson, which raised various concerns about how the government contributes to care costs in the island. 

Most notably, it raised the issue that Jersey's government pays carers at different rates for doing the same job. 

Care providers flagged the disparity in care costs as a bone of contention, in the last few years, as the sector continues to struggle with rising costs.

READ MORE: Home care costs to reach £40 per hour

Deputy Lyndsay Feltham has accepted this is a problem in Jersey and has decided to implement a standard rate for home carers of £34.80 from 1 January 2025. 

Minister for Social Security Lyndsay Feltham

The Minister for Social Security hopes Jersey's carers support this change: 

"I know a number of home care agencies have been waiting for this to happen.

"They have been quite frustrated that the current system is inequitable and leads to some care providers being paid more than others.

"The majority of care providers will benefit from this change and will see a higher rate being paid to them from the 1st of January."