Proposed Common Strategic Policy 2018–22 (P.110/2018): second amendment [P.110/2018 Amd.(2)]

STATES OF JERSEY

PROPOSED COMMON STRATEGIC POLICY 2018–22 (P.110/2018): SECOND AMENDMENT

Lodged au Greffe on 16th November 2018 by Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier

STATES GREFFE

2018  P.110 Amd.(2)

PROPOSED COMMON STRATEGIC POLICY 2018–22 (P.110/2018): SECOND AMENDMENT

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After the words "Appendix to this Proposition" insert the words ", except that on page 18 of the Appendix to the Proposed Common Strategic Policy 2018–22 (Section 5: Strategic priorities), in the list of bullet-points, after the penultimate bullet-point, to insert a new bullet-point worded as follows: "Ensure purpose-built youth facilities are created in the north of St. Helier , in close proximity to new housing developments at Millennium Park and Anne Court".".

DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER

Note:  After this amendment, the proposition would read as follows –

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion

in accordance with Article 18(2)(e) of the States of Jersey Law 2005, to approve the statement of the Common Strategic Policy of the Council of Ministers as set out in the Appendix to this Proposition, except that on page 18 of the Appendix to the Proposed Common Strategic Policy 2018–22 (Section 5: Strategic priorities), in the list of bullet-points, after the penultimate bullet-point, to insert a new bullet-point worded as follows: "Ensure purpose-built youth facilities are created in the north of St. Helier , in close proximity to new housing developments at Millennium Park and Anne Court".

REPORT

The area to the North of St. Helier has been recognised as one of the most densely populated areas in Jersey.

This amendment draws from the  common goals  of the Strategic  Plan  of making St. Helier a more desirable place to live, work, do business and visit. It addresses the strategic  priority  of  protecting  and  valuing  our  environment  in  its  widest  sense: providing purpose-built facilities for young people to access and improve their living environment.

This amendment addresses the key priority of Putting Children First' with a tangible commitment to addressing the chronic lack of facilities for young people in the North of St. Helier . It gives the opportunity to create a real facility that demonstrates the pledge for children in action.

For many years, St. Helier has faced the brunt of housing development. The current plans for new housing on the Millennium Park and Anne Court sites have highlighted the desperate need to accompany new housing developments with appropriate facilities for the young people living in the area under development.

There are a number of key benefits to the development of purpose-built youth and community facilities –

1. The Youth Service undertakes vital work throughout St. Helier communities. Its impact on positive outcomes for young people is clear. However, it does this in the North of St. Helier via a mobile bus facility and a few small facilities such as the Move On' café and a small facility in Oak Tree Gardens. The facility at St. James' Centre is an Island-wide facility.
2. Every parish outside St. Helier has a dedicated youth centre that provides a base for the parish. This allows direct impact through parish communities and a base for outreach work.
3. The long-term benefits of early intervention with families is well documented: particularly those struggling on low incomes or facing challenges. This area of St. Helier has the opportunity to impact massively at the heart of our capital. What is lacking are central facilities to enable this vital work to be fully effective.
4. A Centre offers the opportunity for adults of the community to get involved with volunteering and to work with young people in a positive way, and as the North of St. Helier community grows, there is a need to develop community provision.
5. With the lack of provision for young people to engage in positive activities in their leisure time, and a build-up in a small area of young people, this will lead to young people gathering in groups on the streets or in parks and other open spaces. We know from history that this leads to a rise in anti-social behaviour and calls to the Police, with residents experiencing problems from noise and the fear of gangs of youths.

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P.110/2018 Amd.(2)

6. A facility in the North of St. Helier would enable the completion of a network of youth and community facilities across Jersey, enabling joined-up working and thinking, that will have social and economic benefits long into the future.
7. A central facility at the heart of this St. Helier community will enable a myriad of groups to provide support groups.

By making a formal commitment in the Common Strategic Policy, we give a clear message of hope and intention to an area of our capital that faces significant social issues and economic challenges. It makes a tangible commitment to back up the commitment to putting children first, and to improving the lives of St. Helier residents now and into the future.

Financial implications

This is an addition to the long-term strategic outcomes for St. Helier . Therefore, I will indicate possible sources of funding and estimates of cost.

The cost of the project is estimated to be in the region of £3–5 million. This will need to be the subject of a detailed appraisal in consultation with Jersey Property Holdings.

Possible funding sources include –

Strategic Plan allocation

Profits from Jersey Development Corporation, as part of their investment into the development of St. Helier

Andium Homes, as part of the requirement to provide community facilities with any new social housing development

The Parish

A variety of third sector groups

Department for Children, as part of their putting children first' drive.

Manpower implications

Following the acceptance of this in principle' decision, we can address the specifics of manpower requirements. There are currently staff providing outreach services in the specified area that would have a base following this development. Detailed staffing can be developed during consultation over the final nature of the facility.