The Tynwald select committee on poverty is seeking responses to its survey about social security benefits.

Members want to know more about people’s experiences of poverty and how the benefits system helps or hinders them.

Views are being sought on in-work benefits, unemployment benefits, health-related benefits, family benefits, pensions and emergency Covid-19 support. It can be completed by any individual, including those who are not eligible to receive financial support themselves.

The committee is comprised of three members of Tynwald - speaker Juan Watterson, Jason Moorhouse MHK and Tanya August-Hanson MLC.

The role of a select committee is to consider policy issues, scrutinise the work and expenditure of the government and investigate matters referred to them.

Their remit includes recognising the debilitating impact poverty has on individuals, families and society; investigates definitions of poverty based on different circumstances; and to find underlying causes of poverty and how people have ended up in poverty.

Miss August-Hanson said that there have been more than 100 responses so far to the survey, but the committee needs more: ’This is a parliamentary scrutiny survey - we have the opportunity to make recommendations to Tynwald and we plan on reporting this year.

’It is not easy to gather information from people who have so many things going on in their life, and are trying to make ends meet.

’The few minutes it takes to complete the survey will give the committee first-hand evidence, which is crucial in understanding the issues people face.

’This is evidence collected possibly for the first time, but if not it has been a long time since this sort of information has been gathered.’

Miss August-Hanson explained what the committee currently understands regarding social security benefits in the island:

’There was a strong indication from the evidence we received from experts, third-sector organisations, and social security division customers that this was the most important place to begin deep-diving into issues relating to poverty and we made this clear in our last report.

’The committee has conducted research into how the system works, how it’s expected to work and whether or not each element of the system does work.

’We need more evidence to make our case and it’s important that we receive as much as possible from the people of the Isle of Man,’ she added.

The deadline for responses has been extended to January 20 and can be completed anonymously.

Chairman of the committee Juan Watterson commented: ’Poverty is a difficult subject at any time of year, but particularly after Christmas for those struggling to balance tight budgets between food, heating and presents.

’We want to hear how those on low pay and benefits manage this, and how the system can be improved.

’For those that want to, we would welcome the chance to talk about your experience in order to recommend useful changes to benefits going forward.’

The survey can be found at https://survey02.gov.im/snapwebhost/s.asp?k=160820045996