Waste charge will ‘extinguish Jersey’s future potential’

This week Infrastructure Minister Eddie Noel lodged a proposition to introduce a planned new levy on liquid waste produced by businesses, which is due to come into effect by March 2018, if approved by the States.

The liquid waste charge would see firms charged £2.27 per cubic metre on 95 per cent of their water usage, with a further solid-waste charge of £150 per tonne due to be introduced within a year. The Infrastructure Department has said that the charges are aimed at making up a £11.35 million budget gap.

A department report said that the liquid charge would cost a large hotel £40,039 per year, while a medium-sized guest house would pay £1,442 and a small coffee shop £954.

Jersey Hospitality Association president and hotelier Fiona Kerley said that the new charges would damage her industry’s potential for growth.

‘Just now, when Jersey is turning the corner and its residents are once again becoming proud of welcoming visitors to their Island, this proposal could not come at a worse time.

‘The method of imposing these costs will impact on visitors and residents alike. Jersey will struggle to be competitive, countless jobs will be put at risk and Jersey’s future potential will be extinguished,’ she said.

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