JERSEY should hold another referendum on whether to adopt Central European Time as the switch could help to ease the spiralling cost of living, according to a former Senator.
Jim Perchard made the comments after Liberal Democrat peer John Lee called for British clocks to be put ahead by an extra hour, contending that households would be able to maximise daylight in the evenings – reducing the need to keep the lights on.
In 2008, Mr Perchard presented the issue for consideration through Jersey’s first ever referendum, with 17,230 voting against and 6,564 in favour of the move. He said it was ‘more relevant now’ given the widespread focus on reducing energy usage, and urged States Members to address the topic once again.
Commenting on why the idea was rejected over a decade ago, he said: ‘There were arguments about businesses and alignment with the UK, which I think is a very light argument especially given how far technology has come – we trade all over the world.’
He added: ‘The advantages are obvious, we would have these lovely, lighter evenings and I am convinced we would have a happier, healthier population – most people finish work around five or six.’
He explained that a reduction in energy usage, fewer road accidents and more outdoor events were among the benefits that would accompany the change.
‘There are also opportunities, particularly for young people, with sports and clubs,’ he added.
Last month the Salvation Army revealed that the ‘spiralling’ cost of living was causing some Islanders to go for days without eating, and pointed to energy prices as one of the factors driving the rise in household bills.
Mr Perchard said he agreed with Mr Lee’s comments on how extended daylight hours could ease the problem.
‘I think the circumstances have changed since the referendum.
‘I am still enthusiastic about it and I hope that the States will consider another referendum, because I think it would be very close this time,’ he added.
The move would set British clocks two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time during the summer months and one hour ahead in winter.
Frank Walker, who was Chief Minister when the vote took place, said: ‘If it was shown that it would, genuinely, significantly reduce the cost of living in Jersey – and I have no idea if it would – then we would need to give it some serious thought.’
Carl Walker, chair of the Jersey Consumer Council, said: ‘I’m all for ways to save money and help Islanders with the cost of living, but I am uncertain whether this would mean more than a couple of energy efficient light bulbs staying off for an extra hour each evening. Encouraging increased use of solar panels, or grants for consumers to be able to afford them, might be a better, more sustainable approach in terms of energy usage and cost.’
Assistant Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel said: ‘It is possible that it could reduce the cost of living, but the question is by how much? Would it be negligible? That would need to be measured. From a quality of life perspective in the winter, I’ve always felt that Central European Time is more appropriate for Jersey than GMT. In some ways the best time to discuss this is during the cold, dark, winter evenings.’
He added: ‘I voted for it then and I would vote for it again.’
However, St Helier Deputy Geoff Southern said he thought the idea was a ‘non-starter’.
‘The cost of living in Jersey has become too much for many people – the answer lies in increased benefits, improved wages and reduced rents.’
