YOUNG Islanders voted against financial incentives to encourage 18-to-25-year-olds to live and work in Jersey during the first formal debate of the newly formed Jersey Youth Assembly.
Tiara Arasa proposed a “package of financial incentives” to encourage young people to stay in or return to Jersey.
She said: “There has been rising concern about the perceived increase of Jersey youngsters leaving the Island to live and work elsewhere.
“The so-called ‘Bean Drain’ is contributing to the shifting balance between workers and pensioners, with a reduction in those of working age and an increase in those of pension age, limiting tax revenue and increasing costs.”
Miss Arasa suggested that income tax payments could be capped at 10% for 18-to-25-year-olds, or social security payments could be reduced to 3%.
“Any cost to the Government should be viewed as a long-term investment if it results in a larger, younger workforce in Jersey and more tax payers boosting Government revenue for many years to come,” she said.
“The added benefit of a wider pool of skill, talent and creativity in Jersey businesses, organisations and charities also cannot be underestimated and stands to enrich the Island both now and into the future.”
But members of the Jersey Youth Assembly voted overwhelmingly to reject her proposition.
Four members voted in favour, 22 voted against, and two abstained.
The debate took place on Thursday 4 December in the States Chamber, with he Bailiff, Robert MacRae, presiding over proceedings.
Two other propositions were also discussed.
Members voted in favour of single-sex schools, and against assisted dying only being allowed to take place in a hospital.
Ministers also faced questions from the 32 members of the Jersey Youth Assembly.
Education Minister Rob Ward, Housing Minister Sam Mézec, Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel, and Health Minister Tom Binet were quizzed by the teenagers on topics including house prices, the reduction in tourism, and the impact of AI on the job market.
States Greffe education manager Molly Gladwin said: “The first debate of the Jersey Youth Assembly was a testament to the talent and ability our young Islanders possess.
“They demonstrated a high level of confidence and courage and further developed their public speaking skills in what can be a daunting environment for anyone.”
She explained that, since the Jersey Youth Assembly was relaunched in April, over 140 teenagers had signed up – with close to 70 attending meetings on a regular basis.
“Young people across the Island – from different schools, backgrounds and beliefs – have shown a fantastic commitment to getting together on a regular basis to discuss and debate the issues that matter to them,” she added.
“This isn’t just about politics, but also about giving young people a chance to learn and develop key skills for their university applications and future careers.”
Young Islanders who would like to get involved with the Jersey Youth Assembly can do so by emailing: jya@gov.je.
