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WQ.185/2020
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES BY DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 2nd JUNE 2020
Question
Following comments made at a press conference on 15th May 2020 by the Assistant Minister, in which a package of measures to address the economic effects of lockdown' was reportedly announced, including reduced taxes, capital projects being brought forward, expenditure on training the Island's workforce, stimulation of green lifestyles and support for the introduction of technology, will the Minister confirm –
- when the Assembly can expect to receive details of this package;
- what discussions, if any, the Council of Ministers has had to date regarding the package, including the dates of any meetings when it was discussed; and
- the timescale for producing further detail about these measures?
Answer
At the press conference the Deputy refers to, the Assister Minister did indeed refer to a package of measures that will be needed in order to address the economic effects of the actions taken to deal with the potential health risks associated with COVID-19. The measures referred to are examples of the possible ways in which Government can help drive the Island's recovery.
Distinction should be drawn between medium to longer term measures to support the longer term recovery, which will form part of the Government Plan for 2021-2024, and measures to stimulate the economy as we release the restrictions on people and business put in place to address the health crisis.
These measures to stimulate the economy are currently being developed and discussions held between Ministers, and will be considered by the Council of Ministers in the coming two weeks. Some of these measures will require decisions of the Assembly.
In the meantime the duration of the extension of the Co-Funded payroll scheme is being considered, which as well as providing protection for livelihoods and business would stimulate the economy also.
Measures for the longer term recovery will be informed also by the in-committee debate this week.