The last Budget of the committee system will be debated over the course of the week, during the final States sitting for several senior States Members who are retiring from office this year, and the last before the start of ministerial government.
The Budget itself represents a continuation of the ‘tax and don’t spend’ policies of outgoing Finance and Economics president Senator Terry Le Sueur that are likely to continue if the Senator becomes Treasury and Resources Minister as expected.
Only the decision to shelve the ‘20% means 20%’ package to phase out tax allowances over three years has come as a surprise in this year’s Budget, in a move likely to be welcomed around the States Chamber and the Island.
Five amendments have been lodged, but more are expected to be unveiled on Tuesday.
The amendments so far focus mainly on the issue of free television licences for the over-75s.
They are: Senator Dick Shenton’s attempt to maintain the full VRD rate on second hand cars to fund fostering and adoptions.
Senator Mike Vibert’s attempt to raise beer duty to pay for free television licences for over-75s subject to an income limit.
Deputy Terry Le Main’s attempt to remove the income bar for free television licences.
Deputy Phil Rondel’s attempt to fund those licences from States Members’ pay, rather than beer duty.
The Economic Development Committee’s attempt to exclude agricultural vehicles from vehicle registration duty.
The overall Budget leaves an £8 million deficit for 2006, and a smaller capital programme of £39 million directed mainly at essential maintenance on sea defences, the Airport runway and solid waste strategy.
Duty rises are proposed of 29 pence on a bottle of spirits, 1p on a pint of beer, 11p on a packet of cigarettes and 1p on petrol duty.
Vehicle registration duty will be frozen under the proposals, although Finance plan to give a discount to people who import and register second hand cars.
They will get discounts of between 40 and 65 per cent, based on the age of the vehicle.
The items listed for debate are: Jersey Overseas Aid Commission: appointment of Commissioners, by Deputy Jacqui Huet and lodged by Senator Stuart Syvret.
The Budget 2006, by the Finance and Economics Committee.
Draft Finance (Jersey) Law 200-, brought by the Finance and Economics Committee, which brings the Budget into effect.
Draft Income Tax (Amendment No 25) (Jersey) Law 200-, by the Finance and Economics Committee, which enacts the tax provisions of the Budget.
Draft Amendment (No 4) of the Standing Orders of the States, by Deputy Roy Le Hérissier, which if approved will ensure open ballots for election to posts under ministerial government, including Chief Minister.
Questions will be asked on the following subjects: Contribution statements.
Parish electoral rolls.
Maintenance and emergency repair work carried out by nominated contractors for Housing.
The work of the Health Promotion Unit.
The redevelopment of La Falaise in St Martin.
Maintenance of the Opera House.
The Income Tax Instalment System.
Finance president Senator Terry Le Sueur will also make a statement regarding the report of the National Audit Office into court and case costs.
