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STATES OF JERSEY
r
STRATEGIC PLAN 2006 TO 2011
Lodged au Greffe on 10th April 2006 by the Council of Ministers
STATES GREFFE
PROPOSITION
THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion
in a c cordance 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 Vision on page 5, the Council's Top Priorities on pages 14 and 15 and the six Commitments and associated outcomes and initiatives on pages 21 to 54, of the Strategic Plan 2006 to 2011 attached as an Appendix.
COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
States of Jersey DRAFT Strategic Plan
2006 – 2011
6th April 2006
Our Vision is that
- Jersey has a unique and recognised identity
- People living here enjoy a good standard of living based on a strong and prosperous economy
- We are an inclusive society where everyone has equality of opportunity and access to the services they need
- Our environment sustains a sense of well-being
- Government promotes self-sufficiency and enables enterprise
CONTENTS
Foreword by the Chief Minister...................................................................... 7 The Strategic Plan.......................................................................................... 9 Vision for the Future.............................................................................. 9 Introduction.................................................................................. 9
Analysis of special feature and challenges..................................... 10 Council of Ministers' commitments............................................... 13
Council of Ministers' Top Priorities........................................................ 14 Resources Statement by the Minister of Treasury and Resources............. 16 Financial Framework.................................................................... 16
Strategic Plan resource implications............................................... 16 How the rest of this plan is structured..................................................... 19 Detailed Plan................................................................................................. 20
Commitment One: We will maintain and enhance a strong, successful
and sustainable economy....................................................................... 21 Commitment Two: We will create the environment in which everyone in Jersey
has the opportunity to enjoy a good quality of life.................................... 27 Commitment Three: We will promote a safe, just and equitable society..... 34 Commitment Four: We will maintain and enhance the natural and
built environment.................................................................................. 41 Commitment Five: We will create a strong recognised identity for Jersey
and promote a real sense of belonging................................................... 48 Commitment Six: We will ensure that States services are necessary,
efficient and of good quality.................................................................. 52 Focus on Young People.................................................................................. 55 How we will ensure that the Plan is delivered.................................................. 60
Appendix A – States Property Plan.................................................................. 61
Foreword by the Chief Minister
From time to time in Government, it is necessary to take a step back and to look at the biggest possible picture; where are we now and where do we want to get to in the years ahead? This strategic plan does just that. It is the first such plan produced by the Council of Ministers under the new system of government and builds on previous plans whilst also incorporating new thinking. It spells out exactly what we plan to achieve and by when.
Jersey is an exceptional place with so much to be proud of. Yet there are things that need to improve for today and actions that must be taken now to prepare for the future. We are making six commitments to the people of Jersey to turn our vision into reality, which are that we will:
- Maintain a strong, successful and sustainable economy;
- Create the environment in which everyone in Jersey has the opportunity to enjoy a good quality of life;
- Promote a safe, just and equitable society;
- Maintain and enhance the natural and built environment;
- Create a strong, recognised identity for Jersey and promote a real sense of belonging;
- Ensure that States services are necessary, of high quality and efficiently run.
In recent years, the States have worked hard to create the right environment to enable our economy to grow which, in turn, helps ensure the continued prosperity that provides Islanders with a good quality of life. That work must continue, but with those building blocks now in place we also need to focus on social issues to make sure that everyone in our community is provided for and protected. The improvement of social housing, home ownership, the income support system, law and order, the need to care for the growing number of elderly people in our population, and anti-discrimination measures are, therefore, key features of this plan. So, too, are much needed improvements in our infrastructure and future prospects for our young people.
Young people made it clear at the "Imagine Jersey" event in 2004 that they wanted to play an active role in the policy-making of the Island and we are very keen to ensure that this happens. Measures that will affect young people appear under each of our six commitments and are then drawn into a separate section to create a focus for debate.
The plan addresses all the major issues facing Islanders. It seeks to meet the challenges we all currently face and, at the same time, to develop the many opportunities that are open to us.
An essential part of our vision for the future is recognising that Government should only intervene in the workings of the Island where necessary and we will continually check whether public services are best provided by directly employed staff, by another provider, or through a partnership arrangement.
Tough decisions have had to be made in this Plan to strike the right balance between delivering better public services and maintaining public sector spending at a sustainable level. We believe that we have
managed to achieve this and that this Plan is both achievable and affordable.
This is an ambitious Strategic Plan which lays out clearly what we intend to achieve over the next five years. It reflects the determination of the Council of Ministers to show strong, yet compassionate and thoughtful leadership.
The Council of Ministers will seek the support of the States to achieve what needs to be done and we stand united in our determination to deliver on these aims for the benefit of all.
Senator Frank Walker Chief Minister
The Strategic Plan
Vision for the future
Introduction
Jersey is a small independently-minded and self-sufficient community with a proud tradition of punching well above its weight in the world.
This success has grown from the spirit, skills and commitment of the people of our Island. In recent years our economic success has depended upon the growth of the Finance Industry which has helped us fund excellent public services and a standard of living which is amongst the highest in the developed world.
Jersey is a community where our environment, economy, public and private facilities and services are very interdependent. Whilst the finance industry may fund much of our economy, a sound rural economy and a thriving tourist industry are also important to the quality of life and our diverse society.
However, our success has made us a target for competition and increasing international scrutiny. There is a choice of future direction, either to accept this challenge and grow in international stature and recognition, or try to secure what we have, holding onto current business, trimming costs and accepting a gradual levelling down nearer to the average standards for a developed economy. This is a stark but realistic choice which the Council of Ministers has considered. We strongly believe that, collectively, we should do all we can to maintain Jersey's position of pre-eminence. Our Strategic Plan is therefore based upon continuing to develop our knowledge, business and economy. We believe that only in this way will we be able to protect our heritage and environment and invest in services and policies which promote our good quality of life and increase opportunities and equity for everyone.
Our plan is not based on cost cutting, but commits us to cutting out unnecessary costs wherever they are found. We will deliver the real cost reductions of £20 million promised by the Change Programme. However, we believe such savings should be invested in improved infrastructure and services. We are proposing to invest in modest growth to halt the decline in the standard of our roads and housing and to continue to provide services like Health and Education of which Jersey is justifiably proud. These programmes are based upon using our resources sensibly and pursuing the sound fiscal strategy already agreed by the States.
Our strategies will, we believe, secure our future and safeguard the things that make Jersey such a special place. But it goes further than that. We recognise there are some aspects of our society that we are not proud of. There are also challenges to be overcome if we are to secure our future. This plan identifies the issues and sets out initiatives and actions which will address them.
Doing these things will require investment. We believe that public spending must not exceed what is required for us to achieve success. We believe sound, effective, public, private and voluntary partnerships can be the best way of harnessing the creativity and resources which exist in Jersey and this will keep taxes and public spending low. There will be some tough decisions to be made about the use of assets or funding initiatives. The Council of Ministers is committed to taking these decisions, but will ensure that they are properly and publicly considered. Our decisions will be based on sound analysis, full consideration of the options and their contribution to achieving the Strategic Plan.
Analysis of special features, issues and challenges.
To decide our priorities for action we considered what is special about Jersey; what we want to keep, what we want to change and what challenges we need to overcome. The plan then proposes the Council of Ministers' priorities for action and a full programme of detailed commitments.
We should consider what it is that makes Jersey such a special place. By understanding these things better, we can take effective action to maintain them.
Jersey is a special place to live and work
• A wonderful environment
for children Ours is a society where good manners and good
• Low crime rate behaviour are the norm. Jersey has a wonderful
• Good standards of environment, is very safe, clean and well maintained. behaviour Our economy is the envy of most other countries,
• Prosperous with full employment and generally high levels of
• Full employment income. Whilst numbers of public employees relative
• Great heritage to the population are lower than our comparators we
• Superb natural are rightly proud of the quality of our major services environment like Education and Health.
• Excellent health care
• Excellent education
• Clean and well
maintained
Whilst Jersey offers an excellent quality of life for most people there are still some areas that need to be improved.
Issues that have to be addressed
• Social inequalities The Island suffers from high cost levels which impact
• Public engagement on both business and individuals. As a result, people
• Anti-social behaviour on lower incomes find it harder to make ends meet.
• Costs and prices However, income is not the only reason for
• Transport inequality; the housing controls (important to
• The standard of public safeguard many aspects of our society) mean some housing and roads people are disadvantaged and the introduction of appropriate employment and anti-discrimination laws also have a part to play. In such a close society, the low levels of voter turnout and high levels of criticism of the States show that changes have to be made.
This plan looks forward to make sure that we are prepared for future challenges. Some of these are not unique to Jersey, but by taking action now we will be well placed to maintain our position as an Island with one of the highest standards of living in the developed world.
Challenges to prepare for | |
• External economic threats • Transforming the economy | Being an economic success means that there is increasing international competition as other large and small nations strive to achieve the same. Not only |
• Defining a Jersey brand do we need internal economic reform, but we need to and place in the world create a stronger understanding of ourselves in the
• The Waterfront and a world and use that to open new markets and new plan for St. Helier opportunities.
• An ageing population We have to plan for major changes in the make up of
• Prospects for youth our society. As people live longer and our society ages we have to prepare not just appropriate support,
but also new work, leisure and voluntary opportunities. If we are to manage our economic transformation without detriment to our environment we need to become more self sufficient in terms of knowledge and skills. Providing more opportunities and investing in skills will provide a stronger future for young people to participate in the future, and should also address emerging concerns about issues of anti-social behaviour.
So at the core of our thinking about the future we have considered three principle factors that inform this plan. Firstly we need to nurture those aspects of Jersey that already make it a very special place to live and work; secondly, we need to tackle certain problems such as the inequalities that exist in our society; and, thirdly, to prepare for the challenges that we face in the future.
Council of Ministers' commitments
We have made six commitments to achieve these goals:
We will
- Maintain a strong, successful and sustainable economy
- Create the environment in which everyone living in Jersey has the opportunity to enjoy a good quality of life
- Promote a safe, just and equitable society
- Maintain and enhance the natural and built environment
- Create a strong,recognised identity for Jerseyandpromote a real sense of belonging
- Ensure that States services are necessary, of high quality and efficiently run
Making these six commitments happen will require Government to continue to deliver its existing, vital core services whilst at the same time putting into place a series of new initiatives that address the shifts in emphasis and direction that we want to bring about.
Within the total body of work that will be taken forward over the lifetime of this plan, the Council of Ministers have identified their top priorities for action.
Council of Ministers' Top Priorities
There are many initiatives and services to be delivered over the coming years. These are set out in some detail in the body of the Plan. The following are our top priorities for action to ensure that our six commitments are delivered.
Existing Priorities
- Update, agree andimplement existing strategies, including:
• Fiscal Strategy - implement
• Economic Growth Plan – update and implement
• Income Support - implement
• Migration Policy - implement
• 14-19 curriculum and higher education development – agree and implement
• Rural Economy Strategy - implement
• Criminal Justice Policy – update and implement
• Integrated Travel and Transport Plan – agree and implement
• Cultural Strategy - implement
• States modernisation programme "Better, simpler, cheaper" – implement
New Priorities
- Update the Island Plan with a newemphasisonforwardplanning,including:
• Regeneration of St. Helier and its Waterfront
• Planning for the next generation of inert waste sites
• Delivering the new Town Park
- Developan integrated Socialinclusion strategy to include:
• Early years childcare
• Access to high quality affordable Housing
• Anti-discrimination policies
• Policies to address social inequity
- Developandimplement a Health and SocialCareStrategy
- Plan for demographicchange,including:
• Integrated Strategy for an Ageing Society
• Security and sustainability of pensions – both public and private
- Maintain andimprove infrastructure, including:
• The road network
• Public transport
• Main drains and sewers
• Public housing stock and buildings
- Secureairandsea transport links
- DevelopandimplementanEnergyStrategy that addresses:
• Economic efficiency
• Social equity
• Security of supply
• Environmental impacts
- Strengthen Jersey's international personalityandreviewourconstitutional relationship
- Assist the Privileges and ProceduresCommitteein reviewing thecompositionoftheStates & electoral reform
Resources Statement by the Minister for Treasury and Resources
Financial Framework
Our aim is steady and sustainable public finances for Jersey. We will achieve this by having balanced budgets and eliminating deficits over the economic cycle.
In order to have a sound economy, we need to deliver our anti-inflation strategy which is to keep RPI (X) at or below 2.5%. We also need to avoid boom and bust in the economy. We will do this by establishing a stabilisation fund into which we will pay budget surpluses in times of economic growth and from which we will draw in times of recession.
We will have clear and credible economic policies that are communicated and measurable.
Within the period of this Strategic Plan we will review the ownership of States-owned utility companies. Any sale proceeds will go into the Strategic Reserve and will not be used to generate either capital or revenue spending.
We are committed to a prudent Fiscal Strategy so the Goods and Services Tax will not be more than 3%. We will not introduce any taxes other than those compatible with the Fiscal Strategy.
Strategic Plan Resource Implications
Revenue Expenditure
The efficiency programme will deliver £10 million by the end of 2006 and £20 million by the end of 2009.
The Plan reinvests the £20 million efficiency savings in health and the rising costs of welfare.
The plan also makes provision for investment in vocational training and economic growth, the unavoidable repayments on the Opera House and the deficiency in the Teachers pension scheme. This investment equates to an additional £4m a year from 2007 onwards.
In July 2005 the States approved P.93/2005 which set out certain principles for the future management of States property. One aspect of this was the development of the States Property Plan, Appendix A to this Strategic Plan, which outlines the strategy for introducing greater efficiency to the delivery of services through property and for extracting optimum benefit from the States property portfolio. A new organisation, Property Holdings, is being created which will bring together the various property resources currently scattered across States departments. Property Holdings will make a substantial contribution toward the efficiency savings referred to above, while continuing to ensure that States property needs are met.
Capital Expenditure
The Strategic Plan gives greater priority to the refurbishment of the States social rented housing stock and to road maintenance than the previous capital programme. The revised capital programme will also include funding for the Town Park and the commencement of a new reclamation site. The overall capital programme will be increased by £3m a year from 2008 onwards.
Resources Forecast
The Strategic Plan is fully funded from within existing spending limits, when the contributions from savings and potential new income flows are taken into account. The forecasts beyond 2009 can only be considered indicative, particularly with the scale of change anticipated in our tax policies.
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 £' m £' m £' m £' m £' m £' m
States Revenues (2006 Budget) 472 488 501 514 462 471 Anticipated States Revenues - GST, 20/20 - - 47 49 51 53
Potential States Revenues 1
Revenue Expenditure Forecasts
Capital Expenditure Forecasts
Total Net Expenditure Forecasts 2
Expenditure growth
Transfer of Parish welfare and residential care (May 06) 3 Total Net Expenditure Forecasts (incl Parish transfer)
Contribution from Dwelling Houses Loan Fund 4
Funding from Island Rate for transfer of Parish Welfare 3
472 488 548 563 513 524 442 463 479 493 504 518 39 39 42 42 45 46 481 502 521 535 549 564 2.8% 4.4% 3.8% 2.7% 2.7% 2.7% 7 10 10 10 10 10 488 512 531 545 559 574
- 4 7 7 7 7 7 10 10 10 10 10
Expenditure growth after Dwelling Houses Loan Fund and
Island Rate income 2.8% 3.5% 3.2% 2.7% 2.7% 2.7% Projected Suplus/(Deficit) (9) (10) 34 35 (29) (33)
Notes to the forecast: Potential States Revenues 1
The potential States revenues are those previously reported in the 2006 Budget with the addition of the anticipated revenues from the Goods and Services Tax and the phasing out of income tax allowances for higher earners (20/20). These revenue estimates, particularly in the later years, are likely to change and should be treated with caution. The revenue projections will be reviewed at least twice yearly and the updated figures will be published in the States Business Plan and the Annual Budget.
Total Net Expenditure Forecasts 2
The net expenditure forecasts provide for the new initiatives identified within the plan and the
additional costs to implement GST and the new income support scheme. Transfer of Parish Welfare and Residential Care 3
The figures provide for the estimated costs of native welfare and residential care to be transferred from the parishes in May 2006, the first full year being 2007. These additional costs are to be funded by the income to be raised from the new Island Rate, which is also shown separately.
Dwelling House Loan Fund 4
The net increase in capital and revenue expenditure proposed in the Strategic Plan is £7m a year. Through to 2011 this will be funded from the £32m balance in the Dwelling Houses Loan fund.
Senator Terry Le Sueur
Minister for Treasury and Resources
How the rest of this plan is structured
The rest of the plan is designed to show how the six commitments made by the Council of Ministers will be addressed.
Each section is prefaced by a short statement describing the main issues that relate to that commitment.
Under each of the six commitments there are a series of boxed headings that set out the outcomes that we want to achieve. Each of the outcomes has underneath it a list of bulleted points which are the indicators that will be measured to assess progress toward that outcome.
The achievement of each outcome will be shaped by everything we do, including routine service provision and those major new initiatives which are described in a set of numbered statements set out in each of the sections.
They also show which Minister has the lead responsibility for delivering them using the following notation:
CM – Chief Minister
ESC – Education Sport & Culture HOUS – Housing
P&E – Planning & Environment T&R – Treasury & Resources
ED – Economic Development
HA – Home Affairs
HSS – Health & Social Services
SOC SEC – Social Security
TTS – Transport & Technical Services
This plan sets out those actions that will be completed over the next three years and identifies work that must be started to then be implemented within five years. Some tasks, such as planning for an ageing society, an energy policy and developing the Waterfront and St. Helier, need to look forward to the next twenty years and beyond, so we must start them now to safeguard the Island's long-term future.
The level of detail contained in this plan is deliberately high level as it would be inappropriate to describe all the activities of every government department in such a strategy document. However, there is a clear linkage between the high-level priorities set by this strategy and the detailed departmental business plans that are published annually. The diagram on page 60 shows this relationship.
Throughout the following sections there are references to existing government policy documents. Readers wishing to explore these documents can find them by accessing the government website
and typing the name of the document into the search facility. Alternatively, the relevant department can be contacted directly for a hard copy.
Detailed Plan
Commitment One: We will maintain and enhance a strong, successful and sustainable economy
Jersey has a highly specialised economy. Its strong, internationally competitive Finance Industry provides a high standard of living and security for its direct employees, but also strengthens the economy of Jersey to benefit the whole community. Appropriate investment and action is required to retain and enhance this industry in the face of strong international competition.
Continuing success will also depend on Jersey providing world class business infrastructure, excellent local and international communications and reliable transport links. Tightening regulatory standards and enforcement regimes must be mirrored in Jersey to maintain our reputation for financial probity.
At the same time we will promote existing industries, which play a large part in preserving the Island's heritage and character. The role of these and emerging industries in enhancing the beauty of the Island, attracting people to locate here and providing diverse employment opportunities for Jersey people remains vitally important to both our quality of life and the health of our economy.
Whilst building on these traditional strengths, the Island will encourage new businesses and opportunities to broaden and deepen its economic base. Maximising local employment opportunities will require tailored educational programmes to develop relevant professional and vocational skills.
As an international financial centre we will not ignore the global threats of international terrorism and organised crime. Jersey is, and will remain, synonymous with the highest standards of practice and security in this industry around the world.
Our overall aim is to achieve and maintain low inflation rates whilst improving productivity to help create real economic growth of at least 2% per annum. In this way we can fund the Island's services and provide employment for local people.
- Economic growth is sustained through improved productivity
Indicated by:
- 2% per annum sustained increase in real Gross Value Added (the most useful measure of change in our gross domestic product).
- Productivity of all industry sectors increased (2% growth in GVA is achieved with growth in total workforce at less than 1% per annum)
What we will do:
- Between 2006 and 2011, develop and implement existing and new strategies which will support the five key drivers in the economy – investment in physical capital, skills and human capital, innovation, competition and enterprise – and address the factors that are necessary for economic growth for existing, emergent and new sectors of the economy (ED)
- Negotiate fiscal agreements with countries in order to increase opportunities for growth and diversification of the finance and other industries (CM)
- Further develop economic and trade links with France and other European neighbours. (ED)
- Low inflation is sustained
Indicated by:
- Annual percentage change in RPI(X) is close to, or below, the set target
What we will do:
- Ensure that StatesincomematchesorexceedsStatesexpenditure over the economic cycle (T&R)
- Review andenhance our anti-inflationstrategy during 2006(T&R)
- Improve overallfiscalframeworke.g.implement stabilisation fund by 2008 (T&R)
- The potentialoftheIsland'sworkforce is maximised
Indicated by:
- Sustained low unemployment
- Increased employment opportunities for all, particularly the under-25s and over-50's
- Increased participation rates in the workforce by local people
- Increased numbers of local graduates returning to the Island
What we will do:
- Encourage growth in existing businesses across all sectors through a businessandenterprise development strategy (ED)
- Investigate the benefits of a vocational skills centre for14-19year olds during2006which would create a shift from imported skills to home grown skills (ED)
- Increase employment levels by improving incentives/removing disincentives to work; addressing barriers to work; ensuringthatunemployedpeople receive the right training to re- enteremployment(ED)
- Raise awarenessofbest practice inhumanresourcemanagement and inall aspects of business operation (ED)
- Develop strategically important higher education programmes in the Island co-ordinatedby the Higher Education Steeringgroup and partnerships withHE institutions 2006-2009 (ESC)
- Establish an international businessschoolpresence in the Island (ESC)
- The economy is diversified anddeveloped
Indicated by:
- Raised awareness of opportunities and support available to individuals and business
- Increased business start-up rates
- Business growth across all sectors of the economy
- New and worthwhile jobs created within net growth in workforce of up to 1%
What we will do:
- Develop and implementan Enterprise and BusinessDevelopmentStrategy that will:
- Provide a customer services centre for businesses by 2007 (ED)
- Introduce in 2006 products and programmes to remove the main barriers to enterprise, including establishing a Jersey Business Angel Network, a Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme, an enhanced Business Advice Service, access to venture capital, development of enterprise skills and a business incubator (ED)
- Build strategic partnerships between secondary schools and Highlands College, Jersey Business School, Chamber of Commerce, British Venture Capital Association, local financial institutions, professional associations, Jersey Business Angels Network and government departments. (ED)
- Build strategic partnerships with first tier UK universities to deliver necessary academic and research elements of enterprise and business development (ESC)
- In 2006, develop a revised Tourism Strategythatplaces greater emphasisonmatching the Jersey offering to current market requirements whilst retaining characteristics that preserve our existing tourism base. This will also include a revised marketing strategy that achieves a balance between existing and new opportunities andniche markets (ED)
- Fully integrate marketing and promotional activity for the Harbours and Airport and the Tourism sector (ED)
- Through the Island Branding Project this marketing will be aligned with marketing of the Finance and other sectors whichis aligned withthe Island branding project (ED)
- Introduce an economicmeasure to encourage the return of students (ED)
- Implement the RuralEconomyStrategyfrom2006(P&E/ED)
- Jersey is a worldclassbusiness centre
Indicated by:
- Internationally competitive Communication and Technology (ICT) provision
- External and competitive transport links maintained/improved
- Competitive cost of travel
- Positive international media image
What we will do:
- Encourage the provision of sufficient competition in the ICT industry (ED)
- Develop a comprehensiveairandsea transport policy for consideration by the States byearly 2006 (ED)
- Complete a fundamental review oftheairportandharbouroperationsin2006 that recognises their pivotalrolein tourism and the widereconomy (ED)
- The economy is morecompetitive
Indicated by:
- RPI(X) at or below target level
- 2% p.a. sustained increase in real GVA after inflation
- Increased competition within business sectors leading to lower prices
- Reduced "red-tape" making it easier to set up business in Jersey
- Increase in the number of wealthy individuals attracted to live in the Island particularly those who can contribute to economic activity
What we will do:
- Monitor the effectsof the CompetitionLaw now in force, leading wherenecessary to more effective control overmonopoliesororganisationsin a dominant position (ED)
- Introduce consumerprotection legislation – e.g. the Distance Selling Law and the Supplyof Goods and ServicesLaw will be lodged in2006(ED)
- Seek to enhance the role of the Jersey ConsumerCouncil(ED)
- Aim to reduce the levels of "red tape" andregulatory legislation in 2006 (ED)
- CompleteimplementationoftheFiscalStrategy2006-2010(T&R)
- Review andimplement a high value residency strategy (ED)
- There is a flourishingfinanceindustry with aninternationalreputation for
integrity
Indicated by:
- Growth, in real terms, in the financial sector
- Compliance with the international financial integrity standards to which Jersey has subscribed.
- Increased number of: Bank deposits, collective funds, assets under value, type of assets, number of licensed insurance businesses, number of company incorporations
What we will do:
- Implement the Financial Services Planduring 2006 (ED)
- Introduce new information and disclosure powers with draft Law approved by the States Assembly by December2006(HA)
- From 2006; meet therequirementsof the EU Savings Directiveandmonitordevelopmentswith the EU to ensure that we are well place to respond (CM)
- From 2006; participate in the OECDglobalforumon taxation to safeguardtheIsland's interests and ensure a level playing field in the application of international standards(CM)
- From 2006; negotiate individual Tax Information Exchange Agreements with OECD members and implement agreements in our own right where reciprocal economic benefits are of sufficient value to Jersey (CM)
- Implement and resourcechangesarising from –
- new EU Money Laundering Directives
- new UK primary and secondary legislation on financial crime
- Corruption (Jersey)Law (CM)
- Introduce powers to assist other jurisdictions pursuing civil confiscation of criminal proceeds by 2008 (CM)
Commitment Two: We will create the environment in which everyone in Jersey has the opportunity to enjoy a good quality of life
Our future depends on developing our economy. To make sure that everyone benefits from a growing economy and enjoys a high quality of life, we will ensure that the Island provides educational opportunities for people to develop the knowledge and skills they need to take up rewarding jobs. We recognise that all forms of investment in the Island's children from the earliest years are an important and necessary investment in the Island's future. Whilst there will always be a need to supplement the local workforce with inward migration, our emphasis will encourage local people to higher levels of attainment. Inward migration will be managed to avoid unsustainable population pressures.
For people who are not economically active, we will ensure that the system helps everyone to have a share in Jersey's prosperity. We will introduce an integrated tax, spending and welfare system allowing more effective help to go to those who need it most. At the same time, we will encourage people into employment and remove disincentives that work against this. Policies will be developed to provide greater opportunities for older people to remain in employment and to help people with disabilities to remain socially and economically active.
Our thinking must anticipate changes in the structure of our society – in particular the increasing proportion of older people. We must plan now to ensure that the funding is in place to meet these growing demands. We will encourage more people to invest in secondary pension provision.
Health and social service provision in Jersey is already of a very high standard. The Government will work to ensure that all members of society have equal access to the Island's facilities and services. We must plan carefully to guarantee that all modern services are available to Islanders. We shall place an increasing emphasis on the promotion of health and well-being. In particular, we shall encourage participation in sport and introduce measures that encourage walking and cycling as an alternative to reliance on the car.
The Government will also support, provide or enable the provision of the wide-range of cultural and leisure activities in the Island so that islanders can continue to pursue their interests.
- Jersey is well prepared to meet thechallenges and opportunities presentedby an ageingpopulation
Indicated by:
- Increase in the number of older people provided with support to remain in their own homes
- States pension scheme funding sufficient to cover the anticipated demographic shift
- Increase in personal financial provision for old age (savings, pension schemes, investments etc)
- More people opting to work beyond normal retirement age
What we will do:
- Examine the economic consequences of an ageing population during 2006 (CMD)
- Monitor actuarial predictions and then prepare and start to introduce a co-ordinated plan, including a review of pension provision, to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by ageing population by 2010 (SOC SEC)
- Amend building bye-laws to incorporate Lifetime Home Standards by 2007 (P&E)
- Support interdepartmental working within the Island-wide Strategy for an Ageing Society (ISAS) and repeat ISAS-barometer attitudes to ageing' in 2008 (HSS)
- By 2008 develop a concordat between the private, the voluntary and charitable, and public sector as a means of building capacity for the care of older people who require residential accommodation (HSS)
- Better health and wellbeingforallthe people of Jersey
Indicated by:
- Positive performance against population level indicators
- Fewer financial barriers preventing access to primary health facilities (including medical, dental and optical)
- Indication of appropriate use of health facilities e.g. visiting GP rather than Accident & Emergency
- Reduction in primary care costs to individuals with chronic health conditions
What we will do:
- Develop a strategic report identifying the high-level plan for the re-design of health and social care in Jersey by the end of 2006 (HSS)
- Undertake a comprehensive review of the Island's existing health insurance scheme by 2010 (SOC SEC)
- Implement a set of health indicators which are meaningful for monitoring year on year progress at a population level in Jersey in 2006 (HSS)
- Complete a health related survey among school students in 2006 and distribute findings to schools for action by 2007 (HSS)
- Health and Social Services are of a consistentlyhighstandard
Indicated by:
- Positive outcome from independent inspection
- Positive result from benchmarking of quality and standards
- An annual report from the Medical Officer of Health on the health and well being of the people of Jersey
What we will do:
- The performanceof the Health and Social ServicesDepartmentinmeeting "StandardsforBetter Health" will beindependentlyinspectedby the HealthcareCommission in April 2007and the results ofthatinspectionwillbe published (HSS)
- Undertakeregular service userreviews to benchmarkquality and standards(HSS)
- Fullemployment
Indicated by:
- Low levels of registered unemployed
- Increased employment opportunities for under-25s
- Increased employment rate in ages 50 +
- Reduction in unemployment for under-25s
What we will do:
- Review apprenticeship schemesin 2006. Introduce new schemes allied to developments in 14-19 curriculum in2007 (ED)
- Create a HigherEducationDevelopment Group in 2006 to co-ordinate strategically important higher education provisionin the Island (ESC)
- Introduce the 14-19 education curriculum with a view to increasing vocational options for young people from 2006 (ESC)
- A skilled,motivatedandqualifiedlocalworkforce able to meet the Island'seconomic and social objectives
Indicated by:
- Increase in the percentage of the workforce with appropriate qualifications/skills to match the skills needed
- More local graduates returning to the Island to work
- Increased participation in the workforce
What we will do:
- Implement a Skills Strategy seeking to secure appropriate skills in the workforce to meet economic requirements (ED)
- Develop strategically important higher education programmesin the Islandvia the Higher Education Steering Groupand partnerships withHE Institutions 2006-2009 (ESC)
- Report on the needforthedevelopmentofan Island AcademyforHigher Education by 2009 ( plan for its development,ifrequired, 2010 onwards)(ESC)
- Access to high qualitylearningopportunities
Indicated by:
- Higher proportion of children have access to affordable early years education and care
- Favourable comparison of level 2 and 3 examination results with other jurisdictions
- Staying-on rates at 16 yrs maintained
- Maintain proportion and profile of people entering higher education
- School performance continues to compare favourably with UK benchmark authorities
What we will do:
- Bring proposals to the Statesin 2006 for anEarlyYearsStrategywhich will increase the number of children withaccess to affordable early years education and care(ESC)
- Sustain ongoingschoolimprovementby continuing to invest in critical skills and Assessment for Learning(ESC)
- Introduce a revisedschemeforschoolevaluation during 2007(ESC)
- Enhance 14-19 education curriculumwith a view to increasing vocationaloptionsfor young people in2006(ESC)
- By end of 2007, consolidatearrangements for further higher andadulteducationwhichtake account ofchanging patterns of participation, provision andfunding (ESC)
- Review schoolfundingduring2006 to ensure that schools can meet curriculum needs within available resources(ESC)
- Establish a strategy foryouthworkin St. Helier including replacementprovisionfor the Old Harbour Office in2006 (ESC)
- Develop partnerships withparishes and a range of other providers to supportinformalwork
with young people (ESC)
- An activeprogramme of cultural development
Indicated by:
- Higher participation rate in cultural activities
What we will do:
- Form a CouncilforCulture,with priority actions to be identified and achievedby end 2006 (ESC)
- Implement the CulturalStrategyand publish an action plan by end 2006 (ESC)
- Establish partnership agreements for allculturalprovidersin receipt ofStates funding by the end of2006(ESC)
- Increased participation in sport
Indicated by:
- Increase in the number of participants in sport
What we will do:
- Develop a newstrategy for sport in2006 for the period2007 – 2011 (ESC)
- Agree a plan by the end 2006 to secure the future of sports and leisure facilities currently provided at Fort Regent(ESC)
- Use the opportunity providedby the LondonOlympics to increase the profile ofsport within the Island (ESC)
- Island-wide transportsystemsand policies whichmeettheneeds of the community
Indicated by:
- Decrease in the relative share of trips made by private car
- Increased numbers of bus passengers
- Increased levels of car occupancy
- Reduced road congestion
- Improved cycle and pedestrian network
- Safer road network
- Improved air quality with a move to International air quality standards
What we will do:
- In 2006,bring proposals to theStates to adopt a sustainable travel andtransportplanandby end of2007haveinplacefundingforimplementation(TTS)
- By 2007 bringforward a packageofenvironmentaltax and spendmeasures that will replace Vehicle Registration Duty by 2008 and fund key deliverables asoutlinedin a sustainabletravel and transport plan(P&E)
- In 2006agree a rolling programmeof funding that willsecureimprovementsin the conditionof Jersey'sroads(TTS)
- By end 2006, deliver a new parking strategy to incorporate a revisedcharging system forpublic parking(TTS)
- Inward migrationmatched to theIsland'sneeds
Indicated by:
- Minimal number of unemployed local people
- Net growth in the working population of less than 1% per annum
- Net migration contained within limits that can be accommodated within existing projections for housing need and the release of land for development.
What we will do:
- Set up a Population Office witheffectfrom2008/9 that willworktowardsamalgamatingthe functions of housing consent,regulationofundertakings and development and social security registration (CM)
- Create a registerof the Islandpopulation introducing three categories of registration – entitled, licensed and registered in2006(CM)
- Monitor migration and regulate the factors that govern migration through a system of job licensing for employers and overall control ofemployment in place by2008(CM)
- Introduce policies to ensure that essential economic migrants have access to decent accommodation(seealso 3.8.5) (CM)
Commitment Three: We will promote a safe, just and equitable society
The Government signalled its commitment to protecting the rights of all individuals in the community with the enactment of the Human Rights Law in 2004, which will be brought into force in 2006, ensuring the basic principles of respect and equality for all. This protection will be extended specifically to ensure the rights of all employees and employers by 2009.
Important in the reduction in inequalities is the provision of a good standard of secure and affordable accommodation for all. This will require increased spending on the maintenance and refurbishment of the States-owned social housing stock and will be funded from the Capital Programme and the sale of property that is no longer required. Home ownership will be encouraged.
We will implement an integrated system of benefits which help residents to achieve and maintain financial independence and which provides appropriate financial support for local households and individuals unable to support themselves.
Low levels of crime are a feature of life in Jersey and we want to ensure that the Island remains a safe place to live, work and visit. Jersey faces the same threats as any other place in the developed world and we must maintain our vigilance in protecting our community from them. A priority is to educate people about the dangers and anti-social nature of drug taking and binge drinking, and to deal with its consequences.
Where there is crime we shall ensure that offenders are brought to justice fairly, promptly and cost- effectively. We will improve our custodial facilities and work to reduce re-offending.
We will ensure that Jersey is protected against threat. We will review immigration controls and port security. We will continue to update our major incident planning and place a new emphasis on making sure that the Island is as resilient as possible against threats to its security and way of life.
- Basic rights and equalopportunitiesare established for allsectorsof society
Indicated by:
- Legislation in place that provides rights to employees and employers in line with best practice worldwide
- Reduction in avoidable health and safety incidents in the workplace
- Policies compliant with equal opportunities legislation
- Policies compliant with anti-discrimination legislation
- Government/public sector workforce more accurately reflects the make-up of the community
- Increase in employment of people with disabilities
What we will do:
- Extend existing legislation to provide a full range of basic rights to employees and employers by moving onto the secondphaseofemploymentlegislation, starting withredundancy and TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment))provisionby 2008 (SOCSEC)
- Implement the Human Rights Law during 2006(HA)
- Develop and implementanti-discrimination legislation commencingin2007(HA)
- Develop and implement policies during 2006 to ensure that planning and resourcepriorities reflect the needsof people with disabilities (SOCSEC)
- A safecommunityprotectedagainstcrime and disorder
Indicated by:
- High levels of public confidence in emergency services provided
- Low levels of crime
- High detection rates
- High public perceptions of neighbourhood safety
- Reduced levels of substance misuse
- High public perceptions of safety of town at night
What we will do:
- Identify, cost andimplement service agreementswith new national and regional Police services by 2009(HA)
- Introduce new publicorder legislation by 2006 (HA)
- Fully implement the AlcoholStrategy by 2009(HA)
- Review licensing legislationbyend 2008 (HA)
- Introduce civil asset recovery legislation targeting local criminals by 2008(HA)
- Fully implement "Building a Safer Society" by 2009(HA)
- Develop Victim Agency Forum by end 2006(HA)
- Increase opportunities forhard-to-reachgroups to participate in sport and activerecreation (ESC)
- Review the effectiveness of the Children's Executive and the Youth Action Team by 2008 (HSS/HA/ESC)
- Ensureoffenders are brought to justice fairly, promptlyand cost effectively
Indicated by:
- Reduced rate of re-offending behaviour
- Reduction in the proportion of unresolved crimes
- High success rate in the rehabilitation of offenders achieved through sentence planning and other programmes.
- Custodial facilities for prisoners improved
What we will do:
- Start implementing the recommendationsof the IntegratedCriminal Justice Scoping Study as appropriate in2006(HA)
- Introduce the Crime(DisorderlyConductandHarassment) (Jersey) Law2000-in2006(HA)
- Complete the new prison wing by 2009 (HA)
- Introduce discretionary supervised releaseof prisoners by 2008 (HA)
- Establish an informal forum for the criminal justice policy and planning involving the Executive, the Judiciaryand the Prosecutionby 2008 (HA)
- Resolve possible introduction of civil asset recovery legislation targeting localcriminalsby2008 (HA)
- Strong frontier protectionagainst threats to the security, social and economicintegrityandenvironmentofthe Island
Indicated by:
- Effective immigration controls
- Security services at Jersey ports meet recognised standards
- Effective interception and deterrence of the illegal importation of prohibited or restricted goods
What we will do:
- Introduce biometricpassports concurrently withUK(HA)
- In 2007 bring forward measures within the migration strategy that will have the effect of deterring criminal elements entering Jersey (CM)
- Effective measures in place to deal with risks to life, property and theenvironment from majorincidents and emergencies
Indicated by:
- Deaths, injuries and economic losses due to fires and other emergency incidents reduced
- A resilient and effective response to major incidents and emergencies in line with best practice
What we will do:
- Fully implement the IntegratedRiskManagementPlanby2009(HA)
- Carry out anannualmajoraccident simulation exercise and produce a report of the lessons learnt (HA)
- An integratedsystem of benefitswhichhelpresidents to achieve and maintain financialindependence and whichprovidesappropriate financial support for local households and individualsunable to support themselves
Indicated by:
- Reduction in the proportion of working age residents needing income support during each stage of the economic cycle
- Increase in the proportion of working age residents with long term health conditions in paid employment and retaining their jobs
- Equity and access to benefits for children and pensioners living in relatively low income households
- Increase in the employment rates for people with special employment needs
- Value of benefits maintained
What we will do:
- Determine the priorities for future developmentof the SocialInsurance system as reported in "Policy Review of a the Social Insurance Systemin Jersey – Interim Report" by undertaking public consultation and developing future strategies for the States to consider by 2007 (SOC SEC)
- Introduce a unifiedIncomeSupport system that supports people in times ofneed and promotes work by mid 2007 (SOC SEC)
- Continue to develop programmes to support people withlong-termhealthconditions to retain, andwherenecessary,find suitable employment,both directly and in partnership with other providers by 2008 (SOCSEC)
- Introduce a regular cycle ofincome distribution surveys and complete a povertyauditby 2008 (CM)
- Social care to protect and supportvulnerablepeople
Indicated by:
- Increased numbers of older people supported to live at home
- Improved choice and flexibility in the range of care settings available
- Reduction in the number of children in residential care and increase in the proportion of family placements available for vulnerable children from 2006
What we will do:
- By 2007; develop care pathways for young peoplewith mental healthproblemswho require hospital admission (HSS)
- Implement a substantial threeyearprogrammeofinvestmentbyearly 2006 to increase the numberoffostercarersthroughimprovedrecruitment, training and financial support(HSS)
- Goodstandardofaffordableaccommodation for all
Indicated by:
- Increased levels of home ownership
- Reduction in the number of people waiting to be adequately housed
- A supply of homes that better meets the Island's housing requirements
- Equity in access to the housing market
- Stable housing market/prices
- Building standards that are equal to those in the UK
- Increase in the percentage of homes in public ownership at "Decent Homes Standard"
What we will do:
- From 2007, commence a programme to bring States-owned housing stock up to United Kingdom DecentHomesStandard' by 2016(HOUS)
- Review Housing demand/supply through the publication of Planning for Homes' in 2006 (HOUS)
- Produce detailed proposals for the procurement of funding to sustain a programme of refurbishment works for States rental accommodation with acceptance of a report and proposition by July 2006 (HOUS)
- Review, develop and implement strategies for the provision of Social Housing in the Isl including the long term managementofStates rental accommodation(HOUS)
- Introduce new policies whichwill ensure more equality in entitlement to accommodationby 2008 (see also 2..10.4) (HOUS)
- Amend building bye-laws to incorporate Lifetime HomesStandardsby 2007 (P&E)
- Review building bye-lawstandardsfor fire safety, energy efficiency and structure following their forthcomingreview and adoption in the UK(P&E)
- Introduce a shared equity and,ifappropriate,potentialdiscountscheme, initially using existing HousingDepartment stock to increase homeownership(HOUS)
Commitment Four: We will maintain and enhance the natural and built environment
A clean, healthy and safe environment is absolutely fundamental to the quality of our lives in Jersey. The Island's basic infrastructure – our roads, sewers, water supplies, public transport and sea defences
- must be maintained and renewed to support a healthy environment. Historically, levels of funding have allowed many of these assets to deteriorate and this poor housekeeping has to be reversed.
Our physical environment is essential to both our well-being and to the Island's economy. Uncontaminated land, air and water should exist as a basic right for all people. To achieve this, both community efforts and comprehensive, long-term environmental policies will be required - and we have made good progress recently to establish these.
Few islanders would disagree with the need to protect the Island's coast, countryside and built heritage
- and to conserve and enhance the natural habitats that make Jersey unique. But this must be achieved at the same time as maintaining a diverse, working countryside and a vibrant town integrated with a new waterfront that recognises the needs of today – so some change is inevitable.
Town and country land-use planning is also a key tool to protect and improve our quality of life. We must plan for a vibrant and vital town and waterfront for St. Helier that delivers the economic growth we seek - but in a way that is welcomed by the community. We also need to ensure that we can provide the homes, offices, shops and other essential community facilities – like those that deal with our waste – in a way that minimises their impact on the environment. And we need to manage change in the countryside to make sure that it remains economically viable whilst protecting and enhancing the features that make it special. The competing pressures for the use of the Island's coastal zone – both on land and at sea – also need to be carefully handled so as not to jeopardise this valuable asset.
There are worrying trends in world energy markets and Jersey must quickly develop and implement a robust and forward-looking energy policy. Associated with such a policy will be a package of environmental taxation/expenditure measures that will encourage beneficial shifts in behaviours.
- A diverseworkingcountryside
Indicated by:
- 2% increase, in real terms, of GVA of Rural Sector
- Increase in land area supported by environmental initiatives
- Increase in number of new entrants into the agricultural industry
- Greater public access to the countryside
What we will do:
4.1.1. In 2006 fully implement the measures contained within the Rural Economy Strategy, including;
- Implement the dairy industry recovery plan
- Complete the improvements at the abattoir
- Build on the initial success of the countryside renewal scheme (P&E)
4.1.2 In 2006 complete a review of countryside planning policy (P&E)
- A vibranttown and waterfront for St.Helier
Indicated by:
- Progression of St. Helier Waterfront
- Active retail/evening economy ground floor-space levels in St. Helier maintained
- Areas of public open space maintained and enhanced in St. Helier
- Increase in family domestic accommodation in St. Helier
What we will do:
- By the end of 2006, produce a Development and Regeneration Strategy for St. Helier that integrates the town and the waterfront and promotes high quality design and architecture (P&E/ED)
- Implement a series ofurbanimprovementprojectsin St. Helier during 2006(P&E)
- Develop a viable proposalin 2006 to provide a new town park for St. Helier within three to four years (P&E/TTS)
- By theendof2006,agree a plan to securethefutureof Fort Regent(T&R)
- Publish updatedplanningguidancefor the Waterfront in2006(P&E)
- Support and encourage the Waterfront Enterprise Board to deliverhighqualitydevelopment whichpromoteseconomic benefits and provides housing and leisure facilities forresidentsand visitors (CM/P&E)
- An energypolicy for Jersey
Indicated by:
- Policy agreed by the States
- Greenhouse gas emissions contained at 1990 levels
- Increase in percentage of energy production from indigenous sources
- Decrease in the number of households experiencing fuel poverty
- Reduction in energy use in Government buildings
What we will do:
- In 2006bringforwardfor consultation and debate a comprehensive Energy Policy for Jersey thataddresses(P&E) :
- Economic efficiency
- Social equity
- Security of supply
- Environmental impacts
- Within the Energy Policy for Jersey, examinethepotentialfor exploiting the Island'sindigenous energyresources to reducethedependenceonenergyimports to satisfy theIsland's energy requirements (P&E/ED)
- Clean air,cleanwater and uncontaminatedland
Indicated by:
- Achievement of international standards for air quality, drinking water, bathing water and land contamination
- Reduced number of pollution incidents
- Reduction in pollution-related health issues such as asthma
- Increase in effluent treatment works compliance
- Emissions standards achieved for new energy from waste plant
What we will do:
- In 2006; bring into force the WasteManagement (Jersey) Law2005(P&E)
- In 2006; debate and bring into force the WaterResources (Jersey) Law200- (P&E)
- In 2007; bring forward for consultation and debate a package of environmental tax and expenditure measures(P&E)
- In 2007 consult on, then debateandimplement, a ContaminatedLandStrategy(P&E)
- Jersey'snaturalandbuiltheritage is sympatheticallymanaged
Indicated by:
- Increase in the area of natural habitats achieving favourable conservation status
- Sustained levels of fish stocks, measured through landings
- No loss of indigenous species and a reintroduction of those that have been lost
- Increase in the number of Sites of Special Interest (SSI) registered
- SSIs and other conservation designations are respected and such sites are protected from damage and development
What we will do:
- Deliver a vibrant, working countryside through the implementation of the Rural Economy Strategy
- In 2006 designate a further seven ecological, 10geologicalsites and additional archaeological, architectural or historic Sitesof Special Interest (P&E)
- Bring forward, in 2006, new measures to control over-fishing by large scale trawling and modified potsin Jersey waters(P&E)
- Through the Ecology Trust Fund - sponsor a project in 2006 that will create a dedicated environmentalresourcepack for Jersey Schools(P&E)
- In the period2006-2009implement the historic towers and forts project(TTS/P&E)
- Wastesystemsmeetinternational
standards and the use of resources is improved
Indicated by:
- Increased recycling and composting to at least 32% by 2009
- Decrease in cost per tonne of handling waste once new Energy from waste plant (EfW) in operation
- Emissions standards achieved for new EfW plant
- Reduction in per-capita consumption of resources
- Waste growth reduced in line with the waste strategy
What we will do:
- From 2006; implement the Solid Waste Strategy to promote waste minimisation and better managethatwastewhichisgenerated(TTS)
- In 2007; develop a sustainable liquid waste policy to complywithEUstandards(TTS)
- In 2007; bring forward for consultation and debate a package of environmental tax and
expenditure measures that address current unsustainable patterns of resource use (P&E)
- In 2006; complete and implement new guidance to the construction industry on waste management(P&E)
- A newIslandPlan that meetstheIsland's social, economicandenvironmentalaspirations
Indicated by:
- Low number of departures from the Island Plan
- More new commercial floor-space provided
- More new homes developed relative to anticipated need
- Percentage of land that remains undeveloped
What we will do:
- Carry out a review of the IslandPlan during 2006/2007(P&E)
- Implement Planning and Building(Jersey) Law 2002 and associated secondary legislation in 2006 (P&E)
- Hold meetingsofthePlanning Applications Panel in public from 2006 (P&E)
- Introduce new supplementary planning guidelinesin2006whichpromoteshighquality design and architecture (P&E)
- In 2006; bringforwardfor consultation and debate a CoastalZoneManagementPlan(P&E)
- A physical infrastructure whichsupportstheeconomic and social needs oftheIsland
Indicated by:
- Annual maintenance costs at least equal to minimum investment identified to maintain assets
- Sea defences not breached
- No pollution incidents caused by lack of maintenance of infrastructure
- Percentage of highway maintenance undertaken annually measured against the recommended whole life cycle requirements
What we will do:
- By 2008secureadequateinvestment and implement a programmeofmaintenance to ensure wastemanagement infrastructure ismaintained to at leastminimumstandards(TTS)
- By 2008implement a rolling programmeoffunding to improve the condition ofhighways infrastructure (TTS)
- Over the period 2006-2010implement the SeaDefenceStrategy to ensure that the Islanddoes not suffer breachesresultingin flooding (TTS)
- Valued and wellmaintainedpublicplaces
Indicated by:
- Positive public feedback on cleanliness of municipal areas
- Maintain and improve current standards of cleanliness
- Customer satisfaction of facilities
What we will do:
- Work with the parishes to achieveanagreedplanofco-ordinationby end of2007 that ensures best use ofresources (TTS)
- New town park in place by 2010(TTS)
Commitment Five: We will create a strong recognised identity for Jersey and promote a real sense of belonging
Jersey's proud and independent heritage is a cause for celebration. Today, Jersey is successful, cultured and provides residents with a safe home for families. Jersey people are generous, proud of their Island and talk about it with enthusiasm and passion when they meet visitors, or when they are away.
We want to move toward a society that has an improved sense of self-confidence, backed up by improved marketing of Jersey to the rest of the world - and where the public has a greater say in our affairs
In an increasingly globalised world, it is more important than ever that we present the very best Jersey has to offer to an international audience. It is essential for the Island to create a strong international profile to ensure that the images and facts presented abroad reflect the very best the Island has to offer. This will improve marketing of Jersey and our influence in the world.
In order to achieve this, it will be important for the Island to strengthen existing diplomatic and political links with both the United Kingdom and the European Union, as well as with international organisations. Constitutional arrangements will be reviewed and a way forward agreed.
The States accepts that it must keep the public much better informed of its activities to improve mutual understanding and increase confidence and pride in what we do. To add to this, the new system of Government will provide greater openness and accountability - assisted by the Scrutiny process – which will help to engage the community with the work of Government.
These improved processes are designed to reconnect the public with its Government, and establish a stronger sense of citizenship and community, so that Jersey becomes a place of confidence in which important issues are honestly presented, widely debated and clearly understood.
- A stronger sense of citizenship and community
Indicated by:
- High levels of public satisfaction with government
- Positive public perception of access to services
- Formal consultation documents issued for all major policies
- Increased electoral turnout
- Fewer unfilled vacancies for honorary service
- Regular public briefings
Strategic Initiatives
- Work with the Privileges andProceduresCommitteein reviewing the compositionof the States, electoral reform and alternative methodsofvoting(CM/PPC)
- During 2006; develop a mechanism for effective public participation (CM)
- Introduce a frameworkofformalconsultationforallmajor policy developmentsfrom 2006 (CM)
- Continue to workwithyoung people towards the further developmentof the Youth Forum (ESC)
- Review theworkofthe Detached Youth Work Project in St. Helier in2006(ESC)
- Introduce Prince'sTrust provision withinthe Island by 2007 (ESC)
- Review andenhance the Citizenship Curriculumprovided in schools by 2007 (ESC)
- Continue to support Island communityeventssuchas Liberation Day, the Battle ofFlowers and the Battle of Britain display (ED)
- Encourage support from States Departments and private sector employers to support the honorarysystem(CM)
- ContinueddevelopmentoftheIsland'sinternational constitutionalposition and international profile
Indicated by:
- Jersey is internationally recognised and more widely understood
- An enhanced international reputation as a co-operative and generally well- regulated jurisdiction
- Jersey enters into international agreements directly with 3rd countries where appropriate
- Compliance with relevant and reasonable international treaties
- Increased direct ministerial contact with leaders and senior ministers in other countries
- The development of a successful, highly visible and well regarded brand for Jersey
- Overseas Aid as a percentage of Gross National Income
- Increased participation at international organisations and fora
What we will do:
- Endeavour to agree a protocolwith the LordChancellorwhichwillsupport further extensionof the Island's international personality and independenceof action byDecember2006(CM)
- Review our constitutional relationshipwith the UK to determine a long-termprogrammeof action which will secure the Island's ability to maintain and enhance our independence in decision-making,reviewcompletedin2007(CM)
- Establish a new Jersey brandin2006(CM)
- From 2006; participate in the OECDglobalforumon taxation to safeguard the Island's interests and ensure a level playing field in the application of international standards(CM)
- From2006;negotiateindividualTax Information ExchangeAgreementswithOECDmembers and implement agreements in our own right where reciprocal economic benefits are of sufficient value to Jersey (CM)
- Participate at international foraeitheraspartof the UKdelegationorinour own right(CM)
- Establish presence and regularcontactwithEU institutions by 2007 (CM)
- Over the period 2007-2010; meet, where possible, international standards set through the extension of international treaties and conventions(CM)
Commitment Six: We will ensure that States services are necessary, efficient and of good quality
Services provided by the States of Jersey are of an overall high quality, well used by the public and capable of withstanding benchmarking against similar services provided in other jurisdictions. The quality and reliability of public services are right at the heart of any community large or small. They should be a source of pride to both those who use them and those who work in them.
There is a tension between the demands of the public for more and better services and the need to maintain public sector expenditure within affordable limits that do not cause an increase in inflation or lead to increased taxation. Government will constantly check whether public services are best provided by directly employed staff, by another provider, or through a partnership arrangement
At the core of good public services is sound financial management and balanced books. Jersey faces the need to make major changes in the tax system to remain competitive as a financial centre. This will make it doubly important to ensure that income and expenditure in the pubic sector are balanced over the financial cycle.
The efficiency programme will deliver £10 million by the end 2006 and £20 million by the end of 2009. The Plan reinvests the £20 million efficiency savings in health and the rising costs of welfare, and also makes provision for investment in vocational training and economic growth, the unavoidable repayments on the Opera House and the deficiency in the Teachers pension scheme.
Limited growth has been allowed to support economic growth initiatives and skills development. The Strategic Plan also gives greater priority in the capital programme to the refurbishment of the States social rented housing stock and to road maintenance to reverse historic under-investment in public infrastructure. The revised capital programme will also include funding for the Town Park, and the commencement of a new reclamation site. The overall capital programme will be increased by £3m a year from 2008 onwards.
The States Strategic Reserve is a prudent investment for our future. We will add to the Strategic Reserve if possible. Within the period of this Strategic Plan we will consider doing this through the sale of the States-owned utility companies. The Utilities are strategic assets so any sale proceeds will go into the Strategic Reserve and will not be used to generate either capital or revenue spending.
- States income and expenditure balanced over the economiccycle
Indicated by:
- Percentage increase in tax revenue
- Budget deficit/surplus
- Cash limits within forecasts
- Return to balanced budget by 2008
- Positive reviews of government
What we will do:
- Introduce a Goods & ServicesTax(GST)by early 2008(T&R)
- Introduce the 0/10%corporatetaxreforms and related provisionswith draft Lawapprovedby the States Assemblyby31stDecember 2006 (T&R)
- A phasedreductionoftaxallowances and reliefs for those with higher incomeswiththe draft Law approved by the StatesAssemblyby31stDecember 2006 (T&R)
- Public servicesthat are recognisedas efficiently and effectively meeting people'sneeds
Indicated by:
- Planned efficiency savings achieved with no significant loss of service
- The costs and standard of States services compare favourably with other appropriate jurisdictions
- Positive reviews of Government policies and programmes by Scrutiny
What we will do:
- Implement the Head of Profession model for the finance function within the States with financial savingsof £1.13 million by 2008(T&R)
- Completethe transformation oftheHR and IT functions by 2008 delivering annual savingsof £1.6 million(CM)
- Create a new States Department responsible for all States property assets(except social rented housing andpropertyundertheadministrationoftradingbodies)chargedwith delivering the first Property Plan (seeAppendixA) and revenue savings from property of £1.5 million by 2009 as wellas capital receipts of £4millionby the same year(CM)
- Implement an action plan to ensure States 2007 accounts are GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) compliant(T&R)
- Make it easier for the public to access services by creating a Customer Access Centre to centralise customer-facingservices, achieving efficiency savingsof £510kby 2009 (CM)
- Secure efficiency through improved procurement arrangements for goods and services to achieve efficiency savingsof £1.9 millionby 2009 (T&R)
- Implement and test a full business continuity programmefor the IncomeTax Office by 31st December 2006 (T&R)
- Review the resourcing and organisationofLawOfficer functions to ensure that prosecution, legal advice and implementationofLaws are handled as efficiently and effectively aspossible (CM)
- By the end of2006complete a feasibility study into the proposal to combine the Jersey and
Guernsey meteorological services into a single, more efficient Channel Island service. (P&E)
- Maximisedlong-term value ofStates-owned strategic resources
Indicated by:
- Strategy approved by the States
- Cost to the public purse
- Long-term asset value
- Cost to the consumer
What we will do:
- Review ownershipofJerseyElectricityCompany,JerseyNewWaterworksandJerseyTelecom andhavestrategyapprovedbytheStatesbyDecember 2008 (EDD/T&R)
- Review theownership structure ofHarbours and Airport in line withanair and seatransport policy by 2008(ED)
Focus on Young People
Measures that will affect young people can be found throughout the outcomes and initiatives set out in the Plan. This is a deliberate departure from the previous strategic plan where "Youth issues" were dealt with as a separate Strategic Aim which had arisen out of the Imagine Jersey event and the desire of young people themselves to play an active role in the policy-making of the Island. Young people felt that their voices were not really being heard.
We have come a long way since the first Imagine Jersey; the Youth Forum has been established and we have consulted with young people on a number of key issues, including tax and the waterfront development. For the present plan, therefore, we have decided that it is preferable for issues concerning young people to be considered throughout all policy-making and not in isolation. We want young people to be taken into account in everything that we do.
We realise that many young people and their parents need reassurance that they can look forward to a safe and secure future in the Island. Policies on issues such as education, employment, housing, crime and the environment will impact on their future and also on the decisions of university graduates to return to the Island.
A greater range of jobs and employment opportunities within the island, and an increased emphasis on skill acquisition will encourage trained and educated younger people back to the Island and secure the Island's future skills base. We will ensure that there is a much better process for the two-way matching of skills and the economic activity base of the Island.
Whilst Jersey has some good facilities for young people in many areas, we realise that there is always scope to improve both the access and the range of opportunities available. But in particular, young people wish to have a say in how these activities are designed and delivered and to be consulted about the way that they operate. We will ensure that their voices are heard.
Summary of those measures that will directly affect young people:
- The potentialoftheIsland'sworkforce is maximised
- Increased employment opportunities for all, particularly the under-25s and over-50's
- Increased numbers of local graduates returning to the Island
- Encourage growth in existing businesses across all sectors through a businessandenterprise development strategy (ED)
1.3.2 Investigate the benefits of a vocational skills centre for 14-19 year olds during 2006 which would create a shift from imported skills to home grown skills (ED)
- Develop strategically important higher education programmes in the Island co-ordinatedby the Higher Education Steeringgroup and partnerships withHE institutions 2006-2009 (ESC)
- Establish an international businessschoolpresence in the Island (ESC)
- The economy is diversified anddeveloped
1.4.1 Develop and implement an Enterprise and Business Development Strategy that will:
- Build strategic partnerships between secondary schools and Highlands College, Jersey Business School, Chamber of Commerce, British Venture Capital Association, local lending banks, professional associations, Jersey Business Angels Network and government departments
- Build strategic partnerships with first tier UK universities to deliver necessary academic and research elements of enterprise and business development (ESC)
1.4.5 Introduce an economic measure to encourage the return of students (ED)
2.2 Better health and well being for all the people of Jersey
2.2.4 Complete a health related survey among school students in 2006, findings to be disseminated to schools for action by 2007 (HSS)
- Fullemployment
- Increased employment opportunities for under-25s
- Reduction in unemployment for under-25s
- Review of apprenticeship schemesin2006. Introduce new schemes allied to Developmentsin 14-19 curriculumin 2007 (ED)
- Create a HigherEducationDevelopment Group in 2006 to co-ordinate strategically important higher education provisionin the Island (ESC)
- Introduce the 14-19 education curriculum with a view to increasing vocational options for young people from 2006 (ESC)
- A skilled,motivatedandqualifiedlocalworkforce able to meet the Island'seconomic and social objectives
- More local graduates returning to the Island to work
- Develop strategically important higher education programmes in the Island via the Higher Education Steering Groupand partnerships withHE institutions 2006-2009 (ESC)
- Report on the needfor the developmentofan Island Academy for Higher Education by 20089 (plan for its development,ifrequired, 2010 onwards)(ESC)
- Access to high qualitylearningopportunities
- Higher proportion of children have access to affordable early years education and care
- Favourable comparison of level 2 and 3 examination results with other jurisdictions
- Staying-on rates at 16 yrs maintained
- Maintain proportion and profile of people entering higher education
- School performance continues to compare favourably with UK benchmark authorities
- Bring proposals to the Statesin 2006 for anEarlyYearsStrategywhich will increase the number of children withaccess to affordable early years education and care(ESC)
- Sustain on-goingschoolimprovement by continuing to investin critical skills and Assessment for Learning(ESC)
- Introduce a revisedschemeforschoolevaluation during 2007(ESC)
- Enhance 14-19 education curriculumwith a view to increasing vocationaloptionsfor young people in2006(ESC)
- By end of2007 , consolidatearrangements for further, higher and adult education whichtake account ofchanging patterns of participation, provision andfunding (ESC)
- Review schoolfundingduring2006 to ensure that schools can meet curriculum needs within available resources(ESC)
- Establish a strategy foryouthworkin St. Helier including replacementprovisionfor the Old Harbour Office in2006 (ESC)
- Develop partnerships withparishes and a range of other providers to supportinformalwork with young people(ESC)
3.2 A safe community protected against crime and disorder
- Reduced levels of substance misuse
- High public perceptions of safety of town at night
3.2.6 Fully implement "Building a Safer society" by 2009
3.2.9 Review the effectiveness of the Children's Executive and the Youth Action Team actions by 2008 (HSS/HA/ESC)
- An integratedsystem of benefitswhichhelpresidents to achieve and maintainfinancialindependence and whichprovides appropriate financialsupport for local households and individuals unable to supportthemselves
- Equity and access to benefits of children living in relatively low income households
- Social care to protect and supportthevulnerable
Reduction in the number of children in residential care and increase in the proportion of family placements available for vulnerable children from 2006
- By 2007; develop carepathways for youngpeoplewithmentalhealthproblemswhorequire hospital admission(HSS)
- Implement a substantial three-year programme of investment by early 2006 to increase the numberoffostercarersthroughimprovedrecruitment, training and financial support(HSS)
4.5 Jersey's natural and built heritage is sympathetically managed
4.5.4 Through the Ecology Trust Fund sponsor a project in 2006 that will create a dedicated environmental resource pack for Jersey Schools
5.1 A stronger sense of citizenship and community
- Continue to workwithyoung people towards the further developmentof the Youth Forum (ESC)
- Review theworkofthe Detached Youth Work Project in St. Helier in2006(ESC)
- Introduce Prince'sTrust provision withinthe Island by 2007 (ESC)
- Review andenhance the Citizenship curriculum providedinschools by 2007 (ESC)
How we will ensure that the plan is delivered
This Plan sets the high level direction. Throughout it defines indicators which will be used to measure success. However, the Plan will be translated into actions by States Departments, our staff and our partners. A full performance management framework is now in place and which is shown in a diagram below. Indicators of progress are reported on publicly through the Annual Performance Report in May of each year to coincide with the publication of the Accounts.
STATES STRATEGIC
PLAN
STRATEGIC
Translates what people want FISCAL STRATEGY into what we must deliver AND FINANCIAL
DEPARTMENT PLANNING STRATEGY
TACTICAL STATES BUSINESS Translates what we must deliver into PLAN
how we will deliver it and with what
resources DEPARTMENT
BUSINESS PLANS
OPERATIONAL DEPARTMENT Identifies the individual tasks ACTION PLANS and monitors performance
PERFORMANCE REPORTING
APPENDIX A
The States Property Plan
Summary
This plan sets out how Property Holdings intends to work toward delivering:-
• a corporate approach to property management;
• the extraction of optimum benefit from property assets;
• the valuation of all States property by April 2007;
• greater cost effectiveness in service delivery from 2006;
• measurement of property performance from 2007;
• reduction in net revenue expenditure of £1.5m p.a. from 2008; and
• net capital receipts from sale of property of £4.0m p.a. from 2009
Introduction
In June 2005 the States, in approving P.93/2005, States of Jersey Property Holdings: Establishment, agreed inter alia to –
- the creation of a new States department, Property Holdings, to be responsible for the administrationofallStatesproperty assets, exceptsocialrentedhousingandpropertyunder the administrationof States tradingbodies;
and
- the development of a modern approach to the management of States property which will optimise operational efficiency, minimise under-performing assets and maximise opportunities for cost reduction and the extraction of capital from the portfolio.
States property has been conservatively valued at over £1.6bn. It has a wide range of uses including public open space, roads, schools, health facilities, housing, waste disposal, sports facilities, emergency services and offices. While States needs for property can often be met <