29 September 2011 Last updated at 12:14 ET

Guernsey States agrees benefit increases

Benefit rises above the rate of inflation have been agreed by the States of Guernsey.

Deputies voted for a 3.6% rise in pensions and contributory benefits, including sickness and unemployment.

Supplementary benefits will rise by 2.6% and the overall benefit limitation will increase from £405 to £450 per week.

During debate, Social Security Minister Mark Dorey warned of the rising costs due to pensioners living longer.

Moves to reduce the increase to 2.6%, the RPIX figure for June 2011, and increasing medical benefits were rejected.

Agreed change in weekly benefit rates
	2011 rates	2012 rates
Old age pension	£179.69	£186.13
Widowed Parent's Allowance	£188.93	£195.72
Bereavement Allowance	£162.40	£168.28
Unemployment, Sickness, Industrial Injury And Maternity Allowance	£132.23	£136.99
Invalidity Benefit	£158.90	£164.64
Industrial Disablement Benefit	£144.83	£150.01
Supplementary Benefit
Short term (under 26 weeks)
Married couple	£180.88	£185.57
Single person	£125.58	£128.87
Long term
Married couple	£223.16	£228.97
Single person	£154.42	£158.41