A PROPOSED “carbon tax” on private jets is to be shelved, it has emerged.
Instead the government will monitor plans by Ports of Jersey to double fees for private aircraft – from £34 to £68 – as part of the Island’s commitment to decarbonisation, according to the Treasury Minister.
Deputy Elaine Millar confirmed that Ports were proposing to increase landing and take-off fees for jets.
But Deputy Millar said that discussions around a proposed tax on private jets – which was included, via an amendment by the Council of Ministers, in last year’s Government Plan – were being “paused”
The minister provided a written answer to Deputy Hilary Jeune’s question after an oral question requesting an update was “timed out” during the recent sitting of the States Assembly.
Deputy Millar said the 2024-27 Government Plan had set out a “commitment to investigate” the introduction of a tax or charge on the operation of private aircraft, rather than a “commitment” to impose a new tax, and that discussions had subsequently taken place with Ports of Jersey about ensuring the Island’s business environment remained “attractive and competitive.”
She added: “Alongside but independent to this work, Ports of Jersey proposed increasing the current landing and take-off fees for private aircraft – the revenue generated from this charge will be ring-fenced for decarbonisation initiatives.
Ports of Jersey anticipates that consultation on this proposed charge will commence in Q1 2025 with implementation anticipated by mid-2025.
“Given these developments, I intend to recommend to the Council of Ministers that work on a new tax is paused, allowing time for the Ports of Jersey charge to be introduced, monitored and evaluated.”
Deputy Jeune, a former Assistant Environment Minister who chairs the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, said that as a result of discussions, she had the impression that “Ports of Jersey seemed more open to doing something than the new government.
“It is taking longer than I would have liked and the consultation could dilute the intentions of PoJ, though I understand a consultation is a necessity,” she said.
“I will be monitoring closely and will continue to regularly meet them as details are finalised.
“I welcome that there is movement on this as it was something I pushed for when Assistant Minister for Environment, and I support the ring-fencing of the revenue of the new charge to pay for decarbonisation initiatives as long as it follows the Carbon Neutral Roadmap and contributes to Jersey’s overall aims and obligations.
