Jersey is too expensive and lacks opportunity for islanders. I have lived in St Brelade my entire life and I see first-hand the issues affecting islanders and driving them away. Friends of mine are leaving for university and aren’t sure they will come back. This is simply unsustainable.
The cost of living is the biggest issue facing our island. Every household is feeling the squeeze, whether at the pump, at the checkout, or opening their energy bills. Food in Jersey can cost up to 40% more compared to low cost, UK alternatives. I will push to remove regulation and planning barriers that are preventing lower-cost supermarkets entering the island. I believe essentials such as food should never be taxed, and I would support removing GST from them if explored by the next government, alongside other measures to drive down costs. Energy is a massive expense. I will push to see new builds future-proofed by bringing in regulation requiring solar panels, good insulation and air source heat pumps fitted as standard, proven methods to significantly reduce long term costs for homeowners.
Jersey lacks good job opportunities past finance. Our finance sector is the backbone of our economy and must stay competitive, but we cannot rely on it alone. A lack of variety makes our economy unstable and unattractive, particularly to young people returning from university with skills and ambition but nowhere to take them. We must better support startups and small businesses by simplifying processes and reducing unnecessary costs, while also encouraging established businesses to relocate to the island, bringing a broad range of well-paid jobs with them.
Transport in Jersey is a key issue. With more cars than people, traffic is a growing problem. We need to extend bus services to provide an affordable, convenient way to travel around the island, with longer hours, more frequent services and new routes. Jersey’s cycle routes are already a real asset. We must build on that foundation with a connected, island-wide network that makes cycling to work and school safer and easier for everyone.
Alongside these island wide pillars, I am committed to St Brelade. We must ensure we are getting the best value for money with parish rates, with spending focused on maintaining quality roads, preventing night-time speeding and updating play equipment for our parks.
Our current Assembly lacks teamwork which creates delays and crushes good ideas. I will work with members to get things done, making our island a better place, without wasting time and money. For this reason, I am endorsing Value Jersey’s policy principles to tackle the cost of living, the cost of government and the cost of business.
Vote for a fresh voice on the 7th June
Names of Proposers and Seconders
- Melvin Thomas Snell
- Mary Rose Scott
- Thomas Henry Philip Morris
- Ann Pallett
- Karen Patricia McNay
- Nicholas John Steel
- Jennnifer Ann Hackett
- Kristin Couley
- Timothy John Rowe
- Peter Lawrence Langlois