The figures have been calculated by Co-op chief executive Jim Hopley and confirmed by Treasury Minister Terry Le Sueur. However, the latter says that the relatively low impact of the exemptions does not persuade him to support them. Mr Hopley is backing the proposals set for debate next Tuesday, saying that GST as it stands will be regressive and that the Co-op prefers the UK VAT model which exempts basic foods. He says that there is no way the Co-op – which has 64,452 members in Jersey – could absorb the 3% tax and that it will make things difficult for them, given that 15% of their volume is price-marked before it is shipped to the Island. But Senator Le Sueur wants the tax to remain simple and easy to administer for the benefits of shoppers, shops and the tax department. He says that when the Council of Ministers discuss their position on next Tuesday’s debate at their meeting this Thursday, he will recommend that they reject the move and keep the system simple.
The Heart of Island Life
