5 days ago
Jersey's government reveals 25-year investment plan to fight culture of 'short-termism'
Jersey 's government has revealed plans to set aside around £80 million a year to invest in capital infrastructure.
Ministers want to set up a dedicated fund, ringfencing money for planned projects over the next 25 years.
They include building thousands more homes, a new college in the centre of St Helier, improved road and water infrastructure and upgraded sports facilities.
If approved, the money would be siphoned off from next year and given legal protection against being spent elsewhere.
Jersey's Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham, adds: "Sometimes ministers have taken money from the capital expenditure where it is not immediately noticed. Doing that for years has led to a situation where some of our infrastructure is starting to show its age.
"There's been no coordinated approach, there's not been one consolidated plan that looks right across the public sector to make sure we have a structured, properly-funded capital plan.
"We also need to create a platform to rebuild hope and confidence."
Highlands College would be refurbished and relocated under the plans, with an accessible, purpose-built campus for Further and Higher Education.
Principal Jo Terry-Marchant says: "It's really important for Jersey. More modern, fit-for-purpose facilities will allow us to widen access and opportunity to all age groups.
"What is refreshing about this is that they are looking at the interconnected nature of different priorities across the island ... We have needed this for probably more than a decade."
Paul Wylie, Chief Officer of the Cabinet Office, adds: "We know Highlands College campus needs renovating, so we're exploring putting it in the town centre.
"That brings young people into the town centre and it frees up amazing sites at the top of the hill for family housing."
The public is not expected to pay for the projects with extra taxes. Instead, from next year, the Government's annual capital allocation - approximately £80 million - will be ringfenced in the new Jersey Capital Investment Fund.
Where needed, money may also be reallocated from other areas or borrowed to support major infrastructure projects.
Mr Wylie also believes a change of approach is needed for the island's housing.
He explains: "Our partners in Andium Homes and States of Jersey Development Company will be prioritising family-size homes of three or four bedrooms, as opposed to flats as in the past."
However, backbench politicians are already questioning whether the Government will have enough funds to pay for everything that is planned.
Deputy Max Andrews says: "The money has to come from somewhere ... I can understand the reason behind the decision to bring forward this new fund, but with the number of properties the Government owns, we're talking about hundreds of millions of pounds of investment.
"If we were spending our money more wisely, we wouldn't be in this position in the first place."
Business leaders are also asking for more clarity on the plans for investment.
Jersey's Chamber of Commerce President, Lee Madden, explains: "Ambition must be matched by delivery. Our members are asking the same questions the public will be: how will this be paid for, and will it be delivered on time?"
Meanwhile, Jersey's Hospitality Association have thrown their support behind the plan, stating: "This is a long-overdue step in recognising that sustainable economic growth, particularly in the visitor economy, cannot happen without Government first delivering the essential infrastructure that enables it.
"But words on a page are not delivery. While we strongly support this document's content and its direction, the success of this vision will depend entirely on competent, accountable leadership."
The States will vote on whether to greenlight the Government's proposals later this year.
