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STATES OF JERSEY
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JERSEY CONSUMER COUNCIL: APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN
Lodged au Greffe on 22nd May 2007 by the Minister for Economic Development
STATES GREFFE
PROPOSITION
THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion
to r e fer to their Act dated 25th April 1995 regarding the establishment of the Jersey Consumer Council,
and to re-appoint Deputy Alan Breckon of St. Saviour as Chairman of the Jersey Consumer Council for a term beginning on 5th June 2007 until 31st December 2008.
MINISTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
REPORT
Deputy Alan Breckon will have completed his fourth term of office as Chairman of the Jersey Consumer Council on 5th June 2007. During the 12 years he has lead the Council much good work has been done to promote and advance the interests of consumers in Jersey. The " Price Watch" campaign has been initiated and the Council has lead an investigation into estate agent practices. The latter included a public consultation leading to recommendations for the introduction of legislation to regulate this multi-million pound industry and this will be developed as soon as possible.
As Minister for Economic Development I am responsible for authorising the grant which funds the activities of the Council. I am conscious of paragraph 1.7 of the States strategic plan 2006-2011 which commits Economic Development to ensuring that the economy is more competitive and Paragraph 1.7.3 states, "seek to enhance the role of the Jersey Consumer Council". I believe that the time has come to carry out a review of the constitution of the Consumer Council. For example, organisations represented include the Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the Hospitality Association and the Jersey legal profession. It could be argued that these represent business interests rather than those of consumers. These issues and others need to be considered.
To allow reasonable time for a thorough and constructive review to be undertaken, I have proposed that Deputy Breckon is appointed Chairman for a period of approximately 19 months rather than 3 years. This period would run to just after the 2008 elections. This period would be an appropriate time for the States to consider any recommendations to amend the constitution of the Council. My aim would be to work with Deputy Breckon, his Council and all interest groups during this time period to review the grant, identify ways to further strengthen this important body, and try to ensure enhanced consumer representation which is fit for purpose for the future.
This proposition has no financial or manpower implications for the States.