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STATES OF JERSEY
ENTITLED STATUS ON SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GROUNDS: CHANGES TO LEGISLATION (P.99/2018) – COMMENTS
Presented to the States on 11th September 2018 by the Chief Minister
STATES GREFFE
2018 P.99 Com.
COMMENTS
The Council of Ministers believe our public services need significant and urgent reform, so that we are better placed to face the challenges of the future. In common with many Islanders, we have long recognised the need for change.
The new Chief Executive was recruited to lead the public services in response to these challenges, and was granted 2(1)(e) status by the previous government on the grounds that he was an exceptional candidate, and appreciating his desire to establish himself in Jersey.
Nevertheless, the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of Deputy J.H. Perchard of St. Saviour 's proposition (P.99/2018 – Entitled status on social and economic grounds: changes to legislation) have now largely been met following changes introduced on 1st January 2018, which mean that it is no longer possible to obtain 2(1)(e) status without having to pay a fixed, minimum contribution of £145,000 per year. This includes employees of the States of Jersey, and the bodies we own.
Accordingly, if we do want essential employees in both the private and public sectors to be able to come to Jersey and to have more confidence in their long-term housing situation, we will have to consider our rules. As Chief Minister, I am content to ask the Housing and Work Advisory Group to do this, as part of the overall review into how we improve our migration policies.
As to defined and measurable criteria to secure 2(1)(e) status, in common with Deputy Perchard, we believe this is necessary. This is why the introduction of a fixed, minimum fiscal contribution should be welcomed. In addition, we should actively encourage and promote economic and social investment in our Island. However, every person granted 2(1)(e) status is different. They may wish to start a business, or get involved in cultural activities, or they may simply wish to take some time out from their previously busy schedules while considering their next enterprise. As such, further prescriptive requirements in addition to the minimum fiscal contribution could make the scheme suitable to fewer people, and more complex to administer. Nevertheless, the Housing and Work Advisory Group can also be asked to consider this matter, as the policy guidance is capable of being improved.
Indeed, because every 2(1)(e) applicant is different, including the wider benefits and reputational risks, the Assistant Chief Minister has already asked for members of the Housing and Work Advisory Group to be more involved in decisions.
As Chief Minister, I will oppose paragraphs (a) and (b) of the proposition until the policy issues have been looked at, and will support paragraphs (c), (d) and (e). While the Council of Ministers are united in their belief that we need to reform our public sector, individual Ministers will vote as they best see fit on how we should adapt future policy around 2(1)(e) individuals and housing qualifications.
Finally, Deputy Perchard should be thanked for raising these issues and providing the opportunity to debate a matter of public interest.
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Statement under Standing Order 37A [Presentation of comment relating to a proposition]
These comments were submitted to the States Greffe later than the noon deadline on Friday 7th September specified in Standing Order 37A, as final internal review processes had not been completed.
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