Minister committed to growth of Jersey’s economy
31 October 2022
To commence its review of the Government Plan 2023-26, the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel questioned the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Deputy Kirsten Morel, at its first Quarterly Public Hearing.
The Panel heard of proposals to treble funding for the agriculture industry since the last Government Plan. The Minister said that helping Jersey's economy grow at a sustainable rate year on year and assisting Island industries to increase productivity is a key priority for the Economy Department.
The Minister said a new Enterprise Strategy, to be funded by the Government Plan, would help people to overcome some of the barriers faced when setting up a business and that he intended social enterprise to be an area to be developed by the department.
As part of its Government Plan review, the Panel is asking businesses whether:
- Freezing duty on alcohol and fuel in 2023 will have any impact on the cost of doing business in Jersey
- Increased funding for Jersey Business will offer value for money
The Panel also is seeking the views of the public on whether the Government should:
- Spend £11.7 million on the refurbishment of Jersey Opera House
- Invest £2.8 million over the next four years in a Rural Initiative Scheme to support the agriculture industry
- Fund the delivery of an elite sport strategy
Islanders are requested to share their views by emailing scrutiny@gov.je before Monday 14 November.
Chair of the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, Deputy Moz Scott, said: "In our first Quarterly Public Hearing the Panel was pleased to hear that, despite the economic challenges faced locally and in the UK, the Minister is focused on growing Jersey's economy
"If you are an Islander with views on the Government's proposals to refurbish the Opera House, freeze alcohol and fuel duty, increase funding for Jersey Business and provide subsidies to the agriculture industry, please get in touch."
