2008 Policies
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THE ECONOMY
STABILITY – Whilst the last few years have seen our economy perform well, the world’s financial markets are currently in turmoil. Jersey will not be isolated from the effects of a global downturn but thanks to the recent growth and our reserves (rainy day fund), we are in better position than most to weather the storm. It is vital that responsible policies are pursued in order to maintain our standard of living.
COMPETITION – I was responsible for the introduction of a competition law banning cartels and price fixing and regulated monopolies. This policy has already resulted in lower prices in Jersey. I will continue to ensure that the JCRA is given full support and that its powers are further enhanced to ensure prices become more competitive.
PRICES AND INFLATION – There has been an unprecedented rise in food and fuel prices. The JCRA and the competition Law, which I introduced, have helped to keep price rises comparable to our neighbouring jurisdictions. However, we need to do more to cut the cost of living and I will ensure the arrival of a ’deep discount’ store in Jersey to boost competition and lower prices.
FINANCE – While I have been the minister responsible for the finance industry, we have introduced new services and entered new markets. I have helped to ensure that our promotional body, Jersey Finance, is effective and efficient. Our industry is well placed to attract quality business from the newly booming economies such as India and China. I will continue to do my utmost to support the industry.
TOURISM – The visitor economy remains a vital sector in Jersey employing around 4,000 people and making the island the vibrant place that it is. The changes I have introduced at the Tourism and Harbours and Airports departments have been successful and, in the last 2 years, arrivals and tourist numbers are up. I intend to create a public private partnership to improve the marketing of the industry.
AGRICULTURE – Coming from a farming family, I feel passionately about the countryside and am against the loss of further agricultural land to development. We depend on farmers to maintain our rural landscape. We must support bona fide farmers by extending the rural initiative scheme, the countryside renewal scheme and further targeted aid.
TAX & SPENDING
GST – Due to international competition and external pressures, the island has had to reform its tax system leaving revenues short. GST was thoroughly debated and chosen as the least worst option. I will robustly oppose any attempt to increase GST above 3%. I have supported measures to give back the cost of GST on food and energy by immediate and targeted increases to income support and tax allowances.
INCOME TAX – I would consider deferring elements of the 20 means 20 measures for middle-income families who are facing unprecedented pressures caused by higher food and fuel prices. Personal income tax allowances and thresholds can also be raised if world commodity prices continue to increase the cost of food. The strength of our public finances means that we are in a position to react while others cannot.
STATES’ SPENDING – The key is value and efficiency. When I was vice-president of the Finance and Economics committee, we reduced spending. The Comptroller and Auditor General has reported that further savings are possible. Some of these are going to be challenging to achieve. I have made savings at Economic Development and believe savings can be made in other departments. I am tough but realistic on spending and have focused on delivering best value.
STATES’ PROPERTY – I would radically reform the use of States’ property and get better value from these multi-million pound assets. I would be prepared to dispose of surplus, non-strategic property, particularly those that could boost housing supply. Some housing stock should be earmarked for sale to occupiers on a shared-equity basis. I would ensure that any property which is sold achieves maximum value for the public.
SOCIAL SECURITY – Contributions were raised a few years ago to ensure the pension fund kept pace with an increasingly elderly population. Supplementation covers the cost of providing future benefits to lower earners; however, its cost has risen to more than £80 million per year. The scheme needs to be reviewed to ensure that benefits are going to the right people and that the basis of contribution is fair and appropriate.
SOCIETY
INCOME SUPPORT – The new system of income support is much fairer than the previous 23 benefits it replaced. It benefits more families but must be constantly reviewed in order to ensure that it is effective at countering the effects of rising food and fuel prices.
YOUNG PEOPLE – I have been the youngest Deputy and Senator for the last nine years and, as a result, young people regularly contact me with their views and concerns. I understand that the cost of further education, the type and diversity of job opportunities available in the future and the continuing rise in house prices are all of particular concern to young people. My policies are designed to address these issues.
FURTHER EDUCATION – Ideally, the States should pay for all further education fees. However, the UK has increased top up fees and an increasing numbers of students want to study away. It is important that no young person should be disadvantaged because of their family circumstances. Every young person should have the opportunity of studying outside of the island.
LAW AND ORDER – We are fortunate to live in a relatively low crime island - we must keep it that way. Night-time St. Helier is a concern. I favour being tough on the causes of crime and propose a licensing review and improved education. Our honorary system provides a unique and essential addition to the States police in crime prevention and detection. The parish hall inquiry system acts as an excellent method of dealing with small infractions often avoiding the unnecessary criminalisation of some young people.
HEALTH – Our primary care system needs reform. The health insurance scheme is currently running with an annual surplus of £10 million with more than £60 million in the bank. Some of these funds should be used to subsidise visits to the doctor and to extend preventative care and screening, especially for children and senior citizens.
SENIOR CITIZENS – The next 20 years will see the number of senior citizens more than double. In our wealthy island no senior citizen should face hardship. We must also acknowledge the debt owned to our senior generation for their contribution to the island we enjoy today. I understand the concerns of ever-rising food and fuel costs. I want to target benefits to those in need - not necessarily just the less well off, middle Jersey needs some help too.
WOMEN – Jersey has one of the highest female participation rates in the world. It is the responsibility of the States to ensure that all women have choice in their work and family arrangements. It is also essential that all women have equality of opportunity in our society.
DISCRIMINATION – I am against all forms of discrimination of gender, age, race, disability or sexual orientation. I helped set up the Jersey Community Relations Trust and will continue to support identifying and where necessary eliminating any discrimination. I believe that we need to respect others.
ENVIRONMENT & RESOURCES
ENERGY – Securing long term affordable and reliable energy will be one of my top priorities. I am chairing a task force which is reviewing the island’s energy policy. Insulating homes reduces energy costs. The States will be providing over £1 million in home insulation grants during 2009, this will be directed at senior citizens and lower income households. I propose taxing all energy companies at 20%, which, as in other countries, will help pay for further grants.
RECYCLING – I want to see the island recycle as much as possible. Islanders have shown their enthusiasm to recycle with kerb-side and central point collections. We should be aiming for a minimum target of 50% recycling.
INCINERATOR – I campaigned to shut the existing Bellozanne incinerator whilst a St Helier deputy. It does not meet international standards and is long past its useful life. Alternative technology has been thoroughly investigated, and, despite claims to the contrary, no suitable alternatives were found.
CLIMATE CHANGE – We should aim to be a responsible Island minimising our environmental footprint. I recently launched Business Eco-Active as a way of encouraging local companies to demonstrate their environmental credentials.
SEWAGE SYSTEM – I want to see the Island’s sewage system extended. It is unfair that those not connected to main drains have to pay for tanker collection. The cost could be funded by a small supplement on water rates and phased in over 10 years. I also want to see the unacceptable smell at Bellozanne addressed with the installation of a deodoriser.
HOUSING & POPULATION
HOUSING COSTS – I want an island where all young people can aspire to the goal of home ownership. I was the first politician to promote shared equity and removed the "lottery" of first time buyer allocations. I also conceived and delivered the system of "planning obligations" which has delivered hundreds of affordable social rented units and first-time buyer homes. I want to see these obligations extended to all commercial developments.
GREEN FIELDS – I do not wish to see any further development in green field sites for the foreseeable future. Studies are now showing that there are plenty of opportunities to increase housing supply through regenerating St. Helier.
POPULATION – I support controlling the size of the population by imposing firm limits on the number of jobs created. In the past, population has been controlled through the Housing Law and the Regulation of Undertakings Law. These laws are being merged into one new effective law. In addition, a population register is being introduced to give us better information.
GOVERNMENT REFORM
STATES REFORM – I want to see the number of States members reduced. I support the retention of an Island-wide mandate for Senators and wish to see Constables remain in the States. The number of Deputies should be reduced to 21. This reform is best delivered through an Electoral Commission.
MINISTERIAL GOVERNMENT – There needs to be tighter control of ministerial orders and decisions. There are opportunities for much better co-ordination between ministerial departments, particularly through the appointment of assistant ministers with cross-departmental responsibilities. There is significant scope to achieve greater efficiency between ministerial departments.
SCRUTINY – Scrutiny provides the essential checks and balances necessary to hold the executive to account. I would improve scrutiny by creating new panels and include islanders with special expertise to aid our decision-making and legislative process.
ST HELIER & THE WATERFRONT
THE ST HELIER PROJECT – St. Helier is our commercial and economic centre, it is also the place where a third of islanders live. I helped to solve the unfair rates burden and started to regenerate town with projects such as Broad Street and Charing Cross. A great deal more can be done and I will work with the Constable of St Helier to achieve positive results for St Helier.
THE WATERFRONT – The proposed waterfront development will provide 400 homes for families and I want to see the millions of pounds generated from the scheme ring-fenced, and used to regenerate town. The plan will provide new public spaces including a winter garden. However, we do need to ensure that the contract with the developers contains sufficient safeguards to protect the island’s interests.
OVERSEAS RELATIONS
GUERNSEY – Building stronger relations with our sister island will create opportunities to save money, boost competition and assist with our international relations. I have proposed a "Channel Island Commission" of elected Jersey and Guernsey politicians, to develop proposals for more co-operation between the islands.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – External pressures from beyond our shores will require Ministers to represent our interests at Westminster, Brussels and further afield. I have represented the island at inter-governmental level on a number of occasions both nationally and internationally.
OVERSEAS AID – Jersey must aim to meet the UN recommendation of giving 0.7% of its gross national income. In global terms we are a wealthy society and we have an obligation to help less fortunate countries. Islanders make large voluntarily charitable donations which boosts our contribution. We should continue to support the voluntary sector, including the Overseas Aid Volunteering Scheme and organisations such as SideBySide, which make us one of the most generous places in the world.