2002 Manifesto

and what I actually achieved.

GOVERNMENT REFORM – Our system of government needs modernising, whilst the committee system has served the Island well, it is no longer effective and there is not enough accountability. I will continue to support constructive change as it is necessary.

Played pivotal role in supporting the former Policy & Resources and Privilages & Procedures Committees in the introduction of the new system of government in the period 2002 to 2005. I was part of the team that successfully lead the research for the overhaul of Machinery of Government. Personally achieved States Assembly approval of Public Accounts Committee. As a backbencher proposed a number of measures: including introduction of "Questions without notice for Ministers" to ensure Ministers are held to account publicly.

CAPITAL SPENDING – Not enough attention used to be paid to how much things really cost. Although we must continue to invest in our Island infrastructure, we must ensure schemes are well managed and that they represent value for money.

In 2002 to 2005, as a member of Audit Commission, played a key role in reforming the way in which capital projects were managed. This work has ensured capital projects are now much better managed. As President of Environment and Public Services, inherited responsibility for millions of pounds of major capital projects from the previous Committee. Brought that Committee’s financial control and capital projects under firm control. This included getting States approval for the Waste Strategy and the eventual shut down of Bellozanne Incinerator. Also achieved better value-for-money and increased funding for miles of much needed road maintenance (there were no "West Park" blunders under my Presidency...).

PERSONAL TAXATION – States expenses must be better managed. However I recognise that costs of vital services (such as health) have to be properly funded. Some people in Jersey might have to pay a little more in tax in order to fund vital services. I will work to make Jersey’s tax system fairer and continue to argue to end unfair perks such as benefits in kind.

I secured the role of Finance & Economics Vice-President. In the 2002 election, I was the ONLY candidate not to rule out the introduction of indirect taxation. As difficult that has been I also promised to make Jersey tax system fairer. I have been involved in a significant number of improvements: introducing benefits-in-kind legislation; promoting the concept of progressive income tax; the removal of many tax-loop holes on stamp duty and elsewhere saved/collected the Treasury millions of pounds. I assisted in the introduction of ITIS – making tax collection much fairer. Whilst governments always have areas to improve things the income tax system is fairer than before.

BUSINESS TAXATION – there are major competitive threats on the horizon as other places want a slice of Jersey’s business. We need to design new and sustainable ways of continuing to gently pluck the goose that lays our golden eggs - without it flying away. I believe we have some of the best financial brains in the world and I am confident that solutions can be found with visionary leadership and continued hard work.

The reform of Jersey’s system of tax has been the corner stone of securing the Island’s economic growth of recent years. I was responsible for a number of these initiatives. Whilst there are pressures ahead, in 2002 I correctly forecasted the challenges ahead and showed I had the necessary long-term view, something which is essential in politics.

HEALTH – there are some major challenges ahead in the way we pay for Health. I don’t pretend to know all the answers, but I do know we are spending more on our health service compared to other places. I want to see health properly funded, but I do believe we must ensure that the money we are spending is wisely and efficiently spent.

Since 2002 the UK has pumped millions more into the NHS. It is widely acknowledged, whilst this was well-intentioned a lot of money has been wasted. I warned of this and there is now a much more mature debate about health funding. I have supported increased investment as it is vital we have world class health care – but it is not just about cash. The way in which the money is spent. There is a lot more to be done in this area which if re-elected will be a priority of mine.

SOCIAL SECURITY – I don’t think it is fair that people on higher incomes pay no additional contributions on their earnings. The Social Security system needs a comprehensive review in order to ensure that the right people are receiving the right benefits, now and into the future.

I have argued for reform of the Social Security system over the last few years. Improvements have been made but there is more work to be done. Recently I have been the only States member to properly research one important part of Social Security – namely the Health Insurance Fund. I believe it is wrong that over £62 million of islanders money is being held in a bank account – rising by recently, up to £10 million a year when so much more could be done for primary care. There is much more work to be done here.

COMPETITION - Jersey has become one of the most expensive places in the world in which to live and work. We are unique in the world in not having, until now, a competition law which deals with organisations that take advantage of their dominant position. I am now putting the finishing touches to a major piece of legislation on competition which will be presented to the States shortly. I promise to continue to challenge monopolies and rid Jersey of the rip-off element of the economy. This an essential tool in the armoury against Inflation.

Perhaps one of my biggest and most significant achievements was a Competition Law for Jersey. For the first time outlawing price-fixing, cartels and controlling mergers and acquisitions (The automatic takeover of Safeway by CI Traders could not happen now). As a result of this, underlying inflation has been lower inflation than the UK and Guernsey. The competition law has had a major benefit for consumers in many areas including scale fees for lawyers, lower telecoms charges and many other areas.

TOURISM – The number of beds has fallen sharply owing to changing market conditions. Unfortunately a number of hotel sites have also been lost to housing developments due to the shortage of land for homes elsewhere. Tourism can have a future, provided the money that is available from the States is used wisely and the industry is helped through the transition to a short-stay destination.

Over last three years I have overseen the bringing together of the Tourism Department and Harbours and Airports. Whilst the market is tough, I have helped secure joint working, which has lead to many new routes including Heathrow, Luton, Paris, and Geneva. Whilst competition is fierce, I have helped secure an increase of over 10% in passenger arrivals during my tenure as Minister. This has been done with team and hard work. I have also overseen the biggest increase in investment in Tourism. I was also instrumental in securing numerous Tourism projects including passing the Royal Yacht Hotel, helping make the Les Ormes cabin project happen. I reversed the previous Committee’s cutbacks in events and after some difficulties (and lessons learnt) have secured a future for the Battle of Flowers and International Air Display. I have ensured events have flourished: from the Branchage Film Festival, Jersey Boat Show, Liberation Day Celebrations at People’s Park, Jersey Live and many others.

HOUSING - The Census has revealed, for the first time, many new facts about housing conditions in the Island. Significant progress has been made with the construction of many new homes. Land has also been secured for more social rented and first-time buyers homes. Whilst progress has been made, further efforts are needed in first time buyer allocations and securing the right type of houses at the right price, for both qualified and non-qualified residents.

I have done a great deal to improve get more people into home ownership. I designed and proposed Planning Obligations, which have secured hundreds of new homes for social rent and first-time-buyers. I was the first politician to propose the concept of shared equity.

THE CONSTABLES - The loss of the Constables in the States would have created a permanent division between the Parishes and the States of Jersey. This would have been a backward step. However, the Constables do need to form themselves into a properly constituted body so that they can co-ordinate their work and help to end a wasteful duplication with the States and work together to re-form the Rates system.

My suggestion of establishing the Constables as a formal body was accepted. Another major policy conceived and delivered!

RATES – For years States members have promised to do something about the unfair rates burden. Over the past few months I have worked to find the real facts on this difficult issue and finally, with the formation of a working party, real progress has been made. It is now widely accepted that the cost of welfare should be transferred to the States. I am confident that it is only a matter of months before the hard work that has been done recently, produces a fairer system.

I proposed the solution to this unfair rating burden which including the introduction of an island-wide commercial rate. This has lead to a fairer deal for thousands of rate-payers in St Helier, St Clement and St Saviour. This is one of my proudest achievements.

SENIOR CITIZENS - Over the next 20 years, the number of senior citizens will more than double. It is essential that we start making plans for this significant change in the structure of the Island’s population. We must all acknowledge the debt owed to our senior generation for their contribution to the Island we enjoy today, now and into the future.

For a number of years I was the backbencher that personally dealt with more hardship housing applications than any other member. I have supported a range of new polices including the free means-tested TV license. I also have been driving forces behind the proposal for life-time homes and the first States member who promised and delivered shared equity.

YOUNG PEOPLE - With the resources devoted to education, Jersey should deliver nothing less than the best education system in the world. Our young people must be encouraged and equipped to reach the highest possible standard, what ever their chosen field. Our vibrant economy gives career opportunities in many sectors (not only finance) – but education is not just when we are young people: lifelong learning and a commitment to ongoing training are the key to personal fulfilment for all of us, young and old.

To deliver a more joined-up approach I have been the first Chairman of the Skills Executive. I have been responsible for numerous initiatives in this area. One example is introducing an internship programme for young people during the summer break – this has been a major success.

REGULATION OF UNDERTAKINGS - This law was invented in the early 1970’s for a different era. Whilst its application was called for as a tool to limit population, the way it has been applied has caused misery for many businesses, it has driven inflation up and made a divided, two-tier society worse. I have campaigned to replace the Reg of Unds with a system of licensing and competition law. I will continue to strive to strike this law from our statute book and replace it with something fairer.

Over three years I chaired a group called the Migration Policy Group. I steered a complete review of Housing and Regulation of Undertakings. As a result the Population Office was formed and after years and months of hard work, the new law will be passed by the States within a matter of months.

ST HELIER - The Parish of St Helier must reform and eliminate waste and duplication. As capital of the Island, St Helier must be well managed and adequately resourced to provide services which all Islanders use and enjoy. As a Senator, I pledge not to forget my important responsibilities in St Helier and continue to end St Helier’s residents unfair rates burden.

I have worked hard for St Helier. I personally devised the solution which resolved the unfair welare burden for St Helier and other urban Parishes. I delivered numerous St Helier improvements including the Broad Street, Charing Cross and Conway Street improvements. In addition, As President of Environment and Public Services, I came up with the "EDAW" project, proposed the Urban Task Force, and worked with the Constable of St Helier closely on many initiatives to improve St Helier.

AGRICULTURE - The agricultural industry faces serious and difficult trading conditions. It is a matter of great regret that the Committee of Agriculture has failed to develop realistic and sustainable policies to help this much needed sector. Agriculture needs urgently to be reformed and the money the States allocated better spent where farmers need it. Solutions can be found, if we try.

I was instrumental in securing a completely revised strategy for Agriculture.

DISCRIMINATION - I am against all forms of discrimination, whether on grounds of gender, age, race or sexual orientation. I believe we need to respect others.

I argued for the creation of the Community Relations Trust and was elected States Trustee for three years. I delivered a number of projects in this capacity.

JERSEY IN THE WORLD - Small though we are, we are members of a global community. Our unparalleled wealth is earned from trade with other places and even in times of budget constraints we have an obligation to give something back to those in the world less fortunate than us. I absolutely support spending on overseas aid. I want to use my experience of Africa to design aid packages that work – not "hand-outs" but "hand-ups" respecting always others traditions and cultures.

With Freddie Cohen - I was responsible for the hugely successful Live8 concert. The States has continued to raise its contribution for Overseas Aid.