Report recognises traditional role of Parishes but encourages modernisation in some areas
Scrutiny
23 February 2026
The Parishes and Government Review Panel has today published its report examining the relationship between Jersey’s parish system and the Government of Jersey, concluding that while the parish system remains one of the Island’s greatest strengths, modernisation is essential if it is to remain effective, trusted and resilient.The review recognises the deep historical, civic and community importance of Jersey’s twelve parishes. Evidence gathered throughout the review shows that parishes continue to deliver valued local services, provide grassroots democratic engagement, and maintain strong community connections that are unique to Jersey.
However, the Panel found that many of the laws, governance arrangements and administrative frameworks that underpin parish functions are outdated and no longer align with modern expectations of transparency, accessibility, consistency and accountability.
A central message of the report is that reform does not mean centralising power or eroding parish autonomy. Instead, the Panel’s recommendations focus on strengthening the foundations of the parish system so that it can continue to operate independently, confidently and transparently in a modern context.
The report highlights that tradition and reform are not mutually exclusive. Historic parish institutions have successfully modernised in the past, demonstrating that change can enhance – rather than undermine – public trust and effectiveness.
The Panel has recommended that the Government of Jersey and the Comité des Connétables assess the case for introducing specific legislation to clearly define the Comité’s remit, authority and boundaries. In parallel, it proposes the development of a more structured and formalised framework to underpin engagement and collaboration between the two bodied. While the current relationship between the Parishes and Government is broadly constructive, the Panel observed that it is largely sustained through personal relationships and mutual goodwill, rather than through a clearly defined institutional or statutory mechanism.
Deputy Helen Miles, the Chair of the Panel said: ‘This review set out to consider how Jersey’s Parish system should be operating in 2026. The Parishes remain a central part of Island life, delivering many of the essential services that residents depend on. The evidence we received consistently highlighted the strength of community commitment, particularly the dedication of volunteers who underpin so many Parish-based services. That contribution is widely valued.
At the same time, it is clear that some Parishes are encountering increasing difficulty in recruiting individuals into key voluntary roles. The Honorary Police was frequently cited as an example: a service that provides significant public benefit yet is experiencing sustained recruitment pressures.
The intention of this review was not to propose centralisation of the Parish system. Rather, it was to identify practical opportunities for modernisation, promote the sharing of effective practice across Parishes, and consider where Government support could help ensure that essential services and strategic responsibilities are delivered without placing disproportionate strain on Parish staff and volunteers.
We recognise that the report has been published at the close of the current political term, and that many of its recommendations cannot realistically be progressed before the election on Sunday 7 June. It is therefore our expectation that the incoming Assembly, Ministers and the Comité des Connétables will use the Panel’s findings as a considered basis for reform, enabling the Parish system to remain a strong and relevant pillar of Jersey’s democratic framework.’
The Review also considered how the current Parish rates system operates and is being applied across the Island. More than 480 people responded to a public survey that was launched as part of the process. It found that Islanders understanding of the system is limited, and that its terminology can be confusing.
The Panel has therefore recommended that Parishes provide clearer explanations to ratepayers on how their figures are determined. It has also recommended that the Government lead a comprehensive review of the legislation governing Parish rates to ensure it meets contemporary standards, and that any changes identified are brought forward.
You can read the report in full on the States Assembly website and more information about the review can be found on the Scrutiny pages.
