Common Strategic Policy 2024-2026

STATES OF JERSEY

COMMON STRATEGIC POLICY 2024 - 2026

Lodged au Greffe on 9th April 2024 by the Council of Ministers

Earliest date for debate: 21st May 2024

STATES GREFFE

2024  P.21

PROPOSITION

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 report accompanying this Proposition.

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

Children’s Rights Impact Assessment

A Children’s Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) has not been prepared in relation to this proposition as a CRIA is not required, in accordance with Schedule 2 to the Children (Convention Rights) (Jersey) Law 2022.

Page - 2

P.21/2024

APRIL 2024

Proposed  

Common Strategic Policy  

2024 -2026

GP

Government Programme

2024 -27

Delivering the best outcomes for Islanders

This Council of Ministers is focused on delivering sensible, practical solutions to make Islanders lives better. During our term of office we will prioritise essential services and tackle the most immediate challenges facing Islanders.

We have identified 12 priorities where we believe we can deliver meaningful and measurable progress. These are not focused on the production of new reports and strategies, but on real outcomes that will benefit our Island community:

  Households will benefit, as we transition to a living wage, reduce GP costs, and keep

government fees, duties, and charges as low as possible.

  Families will benefit from nutritious school meals in all States primary schools, as well as

extended nursery and childcare provision.

  Patients and care providers will benefit, as we deliver urgent improvements in our health

services and begin construction of a new hospital at Overdale.

  Tenants will benefit, under a new licensing scheme for rented accommodation, a new Residential

Tenancy Law to improve arrangements for both tenants and landlords, and a review of the social rents policy to prioritise those in greatest need.

  And businesses will benefit, through reduced red tape and the removal of unnecessary

bureaucracy, a focus on skills development, a significant improvement in planning processes, and the creation of incentives to strengthen Jersey s reputation as a stable and well-regulated place to do business.

Islanders will see us deliver a plan to revitalise Town and implement measures to adopt the recommendations of the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce report.

The 12 priorities are aligned with the long-term vision set out in the Future Jersey report and the ten Island Outcomes arising from it. We are committed to working towards this vision as an Island that values environmental, economic, and community wellbeing. All the work we do will be measurable against these outcomes through the Island Outcome Indicators, maintained by Statistics Jersey.

This is not all we will deliver during our term of office. We know Islanders want a period of stability, and for us to provide the steady, consistent administration required to deliver the essential public services we all require. Alongside these priorities, business as usual activities will continue across the public sector, including continuing to meeting our commitments to address climate change through the Carbon Neutral Roadmap.

We will curb the growth in the public sector and rely less on external consultants, instead developing local talent within the civil service and redirecting monies saved to those areas where it is needed most.

Underpinning all of our work is a steadfast plan to maintain sound public finances and prevent unnecessary expenditure. We will reprioritise existing budgets where appropriate to deliver our objectives. Ensuring we maintain strong finances is essential to our long-term financial security, economic wellbeing, and international competitiveness.

We aim to be a Government that works in an inclusive way for all Islanders. One that will provide stability, operate quality essential services, deliver on our priorities, and act always in the interests of Jersey.

Our Priorities for delivery in the next two years

Our Priorities Sustainable  Island

Wellbeing Outcomes

 

Extend nursery and childcare provision			Community Wellbeing	Children
Provide a nutritious school meal for every child in all States primary schools			Community Wellbeing	Children
Increase the provision of lifelong learning and skills development			Community Wellbeing	Children
Start building a new hospital at Overdale			Community Wellbeing	Health and wellbeing
Reduce GP fees			Community Wellbeing	Health and wellbeing
Implement the recommendations from the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce report			Community Wellbeing	Safety and security
Transition to a living wage			Economic Wellbeing	Affordable living
Provide more affordable homes for Islanders			Economic	Affordable
and more confidence for the rented sector			Wellbeing	living
Keep Government fees, duties, and charges as low as possible to help Islanders with the cost of living in 2025			Economic Wellbeing	Affordable living
Reduce red tape, enhance opportunities for business and strengthen Jersey s international reputation			Economic Wellbeing	Business environment
			Economic Wellbeing	Jobs and productivity growth
Deliver a plan to revitalise Town			Environmental Wellbeing	Built environment
Reform the planning service to get			Environmental	Built
Jersey building			Wellbeing	environment

 

Strengthening our community

 Children

Extend nursery and childcare provision

Children s needs, and the demands placed on families, have become increasingly complex in Jersey, exacerbated by the high cost-of-living and fewer nursery spaces being available.

Any increase in an offer to parents must be aligned with an increase in nursery and childcare spaces, so we must do this in a coordinated way. While the intention is to move towards a universal offer for 2 to 3-year-olds, we will start by extending nursery and childcare provision to children aged 2 to 3 years with additional needs. To help increase nursery spaces, we will pilot ways to access unused spaces

in our primary school nurseries, and we will review the availability of spaces in St Helier - where the demand is highest - and also across the Island.

We will work with the sector to improve recruitment and retention, and to incentivise training and development for this critical profession. Improving our childcare provision will positively impact lifelong outcomes for our children and will also benefit the economy by enabling parents to return to work.

Provide a nutritious school meal for every child in all States primary schools

The Jersey Children and Young People s Survey data shows that only 30% of children report eating the recommended levels of fruit and vegetables. There is a clear role for Government to support children s healthy growth throughout crucial stages of their development.

We will provide a nutritious school meal for every child in all States primary schools by December 2024, building on the pilot programme already under way in ten schools across the Island.

Meeting this priority will have measurable benefits for children, reducing inequalities and improving healthy eating, as well as helping to reduce cost of living pressures for families.

Increase the provision of lifelong learning and skills development

We recognise the importance of shaping and reforming further education and skills delivery in Jersey, and that adequate provision is integral to the future economic prosperity of the Island.

We will prioritise the delivery of skills development in Jersey. This will include promoting apprenticeships, a series of targeted skills development schemes, and implementing sustainable Higher Education Student Finance.

Increasing the provision of lifelong learning and skills delivery will ensure we develop the future workforce our Island requires, support the ambitions of the Future Economy Programme, and provide targeted support to ensure our young Islanders are able to access higher education.

  Health and wellbeing

Start building a new hospital at Overdale

Healthcare for Islanders is currently being delivered across a number of aged buildings, that do not support modern practices and present daily challenges to patients and staff.

We will start building our new hospital at Overdale during this term of office and continue to develop longer-term plans for replacing other healthcare facilities, which will include outpatient and day care services, mental health, and therapies provision.

Beginning work on the new hospital is an important step to providing the quality and level of care required by Islanders, delivering a purpose-built medical facility for Health staff, and giving confidence in healthcare for future generations.

Reduce GP fees

Islanders are still experiencing the impact of increased living costs and, although GP fees are subsidised by the Government, patient charges are creating a real barrier to some Islanders accessing health services.

We have already reduced GP fees for people on the Health Access Scheme, and are planning to increase the subsidy for GP visits.

Delivering this priority will ease financial pressures on households and support Islanders to access GP care early, without fear of high costs. It will also help improve the overall wellbeing of Islanders, supporting them to lead longer, healthier lives.

  Safety and security

Implement the recommendations from Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce report

The Taskforce report on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Jersey, published in November 2023, identified a range of issues to be tackled, including gender inequality, a lack of trust in institutions, and structural barriers. We are committed to ensuring that all women and girls in Jersey are free from violence and abuse.

We will implement the Government-facing recommendations of the VAWG Taskforce report. The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs has already set out how we will respond to each of the important recommendations. This includes new commitments to law changes, improvements to data collection, and instigating new reviews of key services.

Delivering the recommendations of the report will improve safety and the support provision for victim-survivors, strengthen the legislative framework around VAWG, and improve our response to, and rehabilitation of, perpetrators of violence against women.

 

Building our economy

 Affordable living

Transition to a living wage for Islanders

In 2022, 2% of Island workers were being paid at the minimum wage with another 2% close to minimum wage, with those workers concentrated in hospitality and agriculture sectors. In addition, in 2023, 14% of private sector workers were being paid between the minimum wage and a

living wage.

We will commit to implementing the States Assembly decision to bring the minimum wage to two-thirds of the median wage by the end of this term of office. We will be providing a range of support to employers and employees, as needed, during this transition.

Achieving this priority will support employees in critical industries like retail, hospitality and agriculture with higher wages. It will also help support a thriving and more productive local economy and help us to attract workers to alleviate labour shortages.

Provide more affordable homes for Islanders and more confidence for the rental sector

Nearly half of households in Jersey live in rental accommodation and it is vital we ensure everyone has access to a safe, secure, and affordable home that meets their needs. The rental market plays an important role in helping us to achieve this, but it must be supported by a modern and fit-for purpose legal framework that helps to protect both tenants and landlords.

We will provide more confidence for the rental sector by implementing the new Rented Dwellings Licensing Scheme to ensure that rental homes are maintained to a decent and safe standard. We will introduce a new Residential Tenancy Law that will improve tenancy arrangements for both tenants and landlords. Ministers will be focusing the Government s development and planning resources on encouraging the building of more affordable homes for Islanders to buy or rent.

Meeting this priority will provide the certainty and protection both renters and landlords need, tackle rent inflation, and as more social housing supply is provided make the benefits of social housing accessible to more Islanders. All of this will be driven forward by the Housing Crisis Emergency Taskforce which was established on the first day of this Government s term.

Keep Government fees, duties and charges as low as possible to help Islanders with the cost of living in 2025

During the past 18 months, considerable cost of living pressures have been felt across the Island, largely based on high housing costs, and more recently worsened by high inflation figures. Whilst inflation is now falling, the Government must play its part by helping to keep costs down for Islanders.

We will keep Government fees, duties, and charges as low as possible to help Islanders with the cost of living in 2025. More detail on the specific measures will be provided in the forthcoming Government Plan.

Achieving this priority will help to reduce the current financial burden felt by many Islanders, especially those on lower incomes.

   Business environment, Jobs and productivity growth

Reduce red tape, enhance opportunities for business and strengthen Jersey s international reputation

The 2023 Barriers to Business report found that a lack of collaboration between the Government and businesses, complex bureaucracy, and unclear strategies are hindering Jersey s competitiveness.

We will reduce red tape and lower barriers across government, as recommended in the Barriers to Business report. As part of this, we will work with businesses to tackle private sector labour shortages where they are made worse by government policies or processes. We will ensure a secure digital ecosystem with a new Cyber Security Law and strategy to attract investment and facilitate innovation. We will also strengthen Jersey s reputation as an attractive and competitive place to work and do business by providing incentives for businesses to be based here, following changes to the international tax regime.

By meeting this priority, we will ensure that government interactions are simple and efficient for new and existing businesses, entrepreneurs, social enterprises and the third sector, and maintain a strong economy where all can prosper.

 

Valuing our environment

 Built environment

Deliver a plan to revitalise Town

There is an urgent need to provide town residents with the infrastructure they require, including schools and youth facilities, to enhance public spaces, and to make Town more accessible and easier to visit for walkers and cyclists. There is also a need to revitalise the Town markets to support retail vitality and vibrancy.

We will deliver a plan to revitalise Town. This will ensure Islanders benefit from the delivery of new homes, improvements to the Central Market and the Fish Market, enhancements to public spaces that support cycling and walking, and a new plan for public parking, all whilst protecting and enhancing St Helier s unique character.

Planning for a vibrant Town Centre is critical to the sustainable development of the Island, and will give us the vision for our capital that will continue to provide land and opportunities to meet most of the Island s future development needs.

Reform the planning service to get Jersey building

A more efficient, effective, and better value planning system is of fundamental importance to meet the community s development needs and to deliver the Government s priorities.

We will reform our planning service to get Jersey building. Changes will include developing and introducing a fast-track service process for minor applications and improving customer service throughout. We will also deliver improved planning guidance and explore the relaxation of planning control to enable Islanders to undertake more work without the need for planning permission.

Success in this priority will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning service, as well as customer satisfaction, and ensure we support the efficient delivery of housing and other developments and provide increased certainty to developers alongside a better service to Islanders.

Monitoring long-term progress: The Future Jersey vision

In 2022, the States Assembly endorsed Future Jersey, a long-term vision for the Island. There are three Sustainable Wellbeing Themes and ten Island Outcomes arising from it, which are illustrated in the diagram below:

EING

LB

L

E Built  Children

W environment

L

TA Health and N wellbeing

E

M Natural N environment

O

IR A Government  Safety and V that is working  security

EN collaboratively to

Sustainable  deliver the best

resources outcomes for  Viinbcralunsti vaen d

Islanders community

Affordable  Jobs and living productivity

growth Business

environment

 WELLBEING

The long-term vision for Jersey in 2037 was produced by the Future Jersey consultation and is captured by the vision statement:

 An Island loved for its beautiful coast and countryside, rich heritage, diverse wildlife and clean air, land and water. An Island where a sense of community really matters - a safe place to grow up and enjoy life. An Island that offers everyone the opportunity to contribute to, and share in, the success of a strong, sustainable economy.

The Future Jersey vision focuses on long-term progress and measures community wellbeing, environmental wellbeing, and economic wellbeing. This provides a way of measuring Jersey s quality of life.

The Council of Ministers recognises that short-term measures are essential not only to combat current challenges but also to support longer term improvements in our society. The priorities in this Common Strategic Policy sit against the backdrop of the wider vision of Future Jersey.

This approach is important because it means we can consistently measure progress and identify any areas that need closer attention.

This Common Strategic Policy was developed after Ministers reviewed the detailed data from the Island Outcome Indicators. Our priority actions are linked to this. Ministers and their departments will be guided by the Island Outcomes in delivering all of their business-as-usual activity. More detail of this will be provided in the Government Plan.

Future Jersey: The Sustainable Wellbeing Themes and Island Outcomes

Sustainable

Island Outcomes Wellbeing

Community  Children - Children enjoy the best start in life

wellbeing

Health and wellbeing - Islanders enjoy long, healthy and active lives

Safety and security - Islanders feel safe and protected at home, work and in public

Vibrant and inclusive community - Islanders enjoy living in a vibrant and inclusive community

Economic  Affordable living - Islanders are able to afford a decent standard of living wellbeing

Business environment - Jersey is an attractive place to do business

Jobs and productivity growth - Islanders benefit from a strong economy and rewarding job opportunities

Environmental  Built environment - Jersey s built and historic environment is valued and enjoyed wellbeing

Natural environment - Jersey s unique natural environment is protected for future generations

Sustainable resources - Jersey s natural resources are managed and used responsibly

Future Jersey: Understanding the Island Outcomes

Sustainable

Island Outcome Why is this outcome important?

Wellbeing

Community  Children This outcome is about ensuring that children and wellbeing young people grow up in an Island that provides the

opportunities they need to achieve their potential by being ready for, and succeeding in, school.

Sustainable

Island Outcome Why is this outcome important? Wellbeing

Community  Health and  This outcome is about Islanders being healthy and, wellbeing wellbeing as a result, having the opportunity to live longer and

active lives. This helps prevent the need for health interventions and ensures that healthcare and support can be targeted to those who need it most. It is also about ensuring that people can access the right treatment when they need it.

Safety and  This outcome is about being and feeling safe, both of security which are fundamental to our quality of life. Ensuring

Islanders feel protected impacts on our overall wellbeing as a community, as well as affecting other areas, such as health care resources and economic productivity.

Vibrant and  Our future relies on people wanting to live in, or return inclusive  to, Jersey. An important factor influencing that choice community is Jersey s attraction as an Island where people and

community matter a great place to live, socialise, grow up and belong. Being a small Island means we have the opportunity to remain a place where community really means something.

Economic  Affordable living A decent income is crucial for our quality of life because wellbeing most basic needs food, water, shelter, health care

and many forms of recreation have to be bought; affordable living is about being able to afford what you need to lead a healthy, happy and productive life.

Business  Jersey must compete against many places to attract environment  and retain companies and skilled workers. Maintaining

an attractive and competitive business environment

is essential if our economy is to continue to provide employment and funds for our infrastructure and public services.

Jobs and  An economy is successful if it can provide high income productivity  jobs and keep people in work. Increasing the proportion growth of higher value jobs in our economy entails encouraging

our talented people to remain here for employment and to progress up the skills ladder, and attracting others

to Jersey who can help businesses grow, become

more productive and help create better employment opportunities for Islanders.

Sustainable

Island Outcome Why is this outcome important?

Wellbeing

Environmental  Built environment There is a close relationship between our built wellbeing environment and our health and social wellbeing. The

way we develop St Helier and the rest of our parishes not only affects the character of our Island but how we interact with each other. It has important implications for transport, crime and recreation and will help address future climate change, energy and water use challenges.

Natural  Good stewardship means taking action to ensure that environment the natural environment so treasured by Islanders is

available for future generations to enjoy. Despite the Island s small size, it contains an incredibly diverse range of natural habitats alongside our more built-up areas, and many would argue that Jersey s countryside and coast contribute significantly to our quality of life.

Sustainable  Our environment underpins every aspect of our lives resources  clean air, fresh water, protecting our resources and

managing our waste are all vital to our health, wellbeing and quality of life.

The Island Outcome Indicators, including those that relate to our priorities, are currently being refreshed and will be relaunched in the summer of 2024.

By keeping the Future Jersey objectives at the core of our decision making, and using the Island Outcome Indicators to monitor the progress of all we do, we can ensure we are contributing to the long-term vision for, and prosperity of our Island.

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