QUESTIONS about the oversight and strategic direction of the Island’s public developer have reignited after a backbencher asked whether there was a need for an independent review of the organisation. Deputy Inna Gardiner raised concerns about the Jersey Development Company’s governance, performance and role in delivering the government’s regeneration goals during the last States Assembly […]
Search results
Posted inNews, Top Stories
States to vote on day off for visit by King and Queen
ISLANDERS could get a public holiday to mark the visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Jersey, if States Members agree tomorrow. Politicians are expected to agree to relax standing orders at their sitting on Tuesday to allow a debate on the proposed additional bank holiday on 15 July. It would take its […]
Posted inNews
Move to reverse social security ‘plundering’ defeated in opening Budget vote
THE government survived the first challenge to its Budget as an amendment criticising “profligate” public spending was defeated, albeit with one minister voting against his colleagues. Health Minister Tom Binet was among 15 Members to vote in favour of the amendment by Deputy Philip Bailhache, who proposed that withdrawals from the Social Security Fund in […]
Posted inNews
Gov shells out nearly £5k for AI guru while “blocking” local expertise
EXCLUSIVE CIVIL servants were given a pricey AI crash course from a celebrity tech writer, it has emerged – as the Government faces claims it is “blocking” Jersey’s own digital experts and starving them of cash to deliver vital upskilling. Information released following a JEP request under the Freedom of Information Law showed that Public […]
Posted inNews, Top Stories
Ministers start work on 'carbon tax' for private jets
MINISTERS have started work to apply a “carbon tax” to private jets, the Treasury Minister has said, but the revenue-gathering measure might not be included in next year’s budget. Deputy Elaine Millar recently told the States that ministers had met tax and environment officials to “discuss possible options” for the charge. The commitment to investigate […]
Posted inNews
Call for better ‘messaging’ on income tax and social security in pension petition debate
STATES Members have called for better communication from the government to Islanders about issues relating to tax and social security. During a debate about whether old-age pensions should be exempt from tax, the Treasury Minister acknowledged criticism about the failure to offer taxpayers adequate explanations about how their rates and payments were calculated. The “in-committee” […]
Posted inNews, Top Stories
States police in talks with government over budget restraints
THE police are in talks with the government over budget cuts as concerns about potential impacts on frontline services grow. Police chief Robin Smith has met Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat and Treasury Minister Elaine Millar, and is seeking further discussions to “explain the potential impacts” of operating within the current budget. He further […]
Posted inNews, Top Stories
‘Difficult choices’ ahead for Jersey as period of growth ends
THE Island’s economy faces tough times amid high government spending and an expected decline in profits from the banking sector, an independent group of economic advisers has said. The Fiscal Policy Panel, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe, criticised the government for taking insufficient action to use money from a recent spike in tax revenue to […]
Posted inNews
Looming Budget defeats prompt government U-turns on environment and police funding
FACED with the prospect of an embarrassing defeat barely five hours into a week-long Budget debate, ministers performed a u-turn yesterday and scrapped proposed cuts to the Environment Department – then just hours later reversed their stance on cuts to the States of Jersey Police’s funding. A Scrutiny panel’s amendment to reinstate the £656,000 worth of […]
Posted inNews, Top Stories
Public sports centres will take cash again
VISITORS to Fort Regent, Springfield and Les Quennevais sports centres will once again be able to pay with cash from June, after politicians unanimously approved a States proposition. The 42 Members in the Chamber yesterday also agreed that the government must review current and planned policies regarding cash payments across sports facilities to ensure that […]
