Future of Welfare Conditionality in Isle of Man: Achieving Balance and Support

1. Welfare Conditionality in the Isle of ManWelfare Conditionality Symposium University of YorkJanuary 2019Victoria McLauchlan –Deputy Director, Social Security

2. The Isle of Man “A special place to live and work” • 221 square miles • Population of 84,599 (2016) • 49% of residents Manx born • Control of Employment Act 2014 • Competitive Tax Regime

3. VAT Bombshell • Changes to revenue sharing agreement • Annual reductions of £75 million by 13/14 • Savings needed across government • Friction between social conscience and need to balance the budget • Targeting

4. Social Security in IOM Universal benefits Disability Benefits, Child Benefit, Nursing Care Contribution c.£30m p/a c. £300,000,000 per annum Means tested benefits Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employed Person’s Allowance c.£80m p/a Contribution based benefits Retirement Pension Incapacity Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (conts.) Maternity, Paternity, Adoption Allowance c.£200m p/a

5. Ci65 Report • Ci65 report recommended: • New Manx Pension • New Manx Benefit • Better of in work guarantee • Benefit Cap • Increased use of conditionality

6. Personal Capability Assessments • 2 attempts to introduce assessments • Public able to leverage political power • Independent review into suitability of test • Recommendation of holistic, OH model of support • Challenge

7. Conditionality • No ESA, PIP Tax Credits, or Universal Credit • No Work Capability Assessment • Work Focused Interviews • Free, easy access to Employment Support • Employer Incentive Schemes • Income Support for lone parents • JSA incremental reductions • Personalised Jobseeker’s Agreement • No targets

8. The Future • Commitment to “improve the way we help people get back to work by establishing clearer support pathways” • Pilot of increasing work focused conversations with sick and disabled persons • Further employer demand side initiatives • GP engagement • Monitoring research findings and taking action