Strategic Plan 2006 to 2011 (P.40-2006) - 15th amendments

STATES OF JERSEY

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STRATEGIC PLAN 2006 TO 2011 (P.40/2006): FIFTEENTH AMENDMENTS

Lodged au Greffe on 6th June 2006 by the Deputy of St. Ouen

STATES GREFFE

STRATEGIC PLAN 2006 TO 2011 (P.40/2006): FIFTEENTH AMENDMENTS ____________

After the word "Appendix" insert the words –

", except that,

1. in   Commitment4,Outcome4.8, add the following newAction –

" 4 .8 . 4 Ensure that the physical infrastructure, including the water supply and waste strategies, is able to cope with any population increase.".

2. in CommitmentSix, for Outcome6.3, its Indicators and Actions, substitute thefollowing new Outcome –

" 6.3 M a ximise the potential of States' owned strategic resources

In d i c ated by:

• T h e securing of long-term supply of both energy and all other resources;

• D  em  onstrable financial benefits for both the taxpayer and consumer;

• I s la n d's needs met both in the short and long term;

• R e c o gnition of the strategic importance of all utilities.

W h a t we will do:

6 .3 . 1  P rovide clear criteria for the protection and efficient provision of services provided by States'

owned, and States' controlled, utility companies (ED)".".

DEPUTY OF ST. OUEN

REPORT

Amendment (1)

The purpose of this addition is to ensure that our physical infrastructure, including the supply of water and the disposal of all waste, is considered in the light of any population increase. One is well aware that over the last couple of decades provision has had to be made for an increase in population. We have been aware for some time that our solid waste plant isn't adequate to meet the present Island's needs and this is now being addressed. Equally liquid waste facilities have had to be increased to cope with the population growth.

An extra reservoir has been built to ensure that the Island has a sufficient supply of water. If we are to encourage economic growth and, with it, an increase in population, we need to be certain that the physical infrastructure is able to cope with the increase in demand.

It is certainly not good enough in my view to simply agree to implement a programme of maintenance to ensure the waste management infrastructure is maintained to at least a minimum standard. After all the heading of 4.8 is entitled "A physical infrastructure which supports the economic and social needs of the Island."

In last year's Strategic Plan this was acknowledged under Strategic Aim Two which was entitled, "To maintain a sustainable population". The Policy and Resources Committee at that time recognised the relationship between the Island's infrastructure and a sustained population growth so this amendment will restate that view.

Amendment (2)

The purpose of this amendment is to broaden the scope of the proposal contained in the Strategic Plan which seemingly concentrates on the future ownership of the utility companies. This amendment also reaffirms the aim included in the last Strategic Plan which committed the States to develop a comprehensive strategy for all States' owned, and States' controlled, utility companies. The success indicators linked to that aim were –

1. T o provideclear criteria for the protection and efficient provisionof services provided byStates' owned, and States' controlled, Utility Companies, and
2. O  p timise financialbenefitsfor the taxpayer.

These I have reintroduced into the amendment.

As you will see if you look at the proposed indicators, there is much more to consider than only looking at asset values. That is not to say that this should not be looked at, but in my view it is not a priority. What is more important to Islanders is that these resources are at least maintained and are sufficient to meet their needs. Businesses equally want to be provided with secure and adequate supplies in order to operate to their maximum potential. There is also an issue of cost and associated service. In this modern technological age, communications and power are essential commodities which need to be competitively priced and accessed by all. There are some who would argue that the Island enjoys a degree of comfort and assurance due to the fact that the States hold majority shareholdings in nearly all of our utility companies. It should not be forgotten that these same utility companies return annual dividends to the States which help in financing other public services. There is obviously a debate to be had about the benefits or otherwise of privatising our utility companies, however we must first understand fully the strategic importance of them. Finally, there is also an expectation that Government should be aware of and actively promoting alternative energy sources which are more environmentally acceptable. All of these issues would be addressed if this amendment is accepted.

Financial and manpower implications

There are no additional financial and manpower implications to this amendment as the above actions have already been accepted by the States in last year's Strategic Plan. If extra capital is required then some of the monies from the Dwelling Houses Loans Fund could be used if the need was deemed to be essential and agreed in the Annual Business Plan.