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WQ.28/2025
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY K.M. WILSON OF ST. CLEMENT QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 27th JANUARY 2025 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2025
Question
"Further to the Government Chief Executive Officer's comments on regulation at a recent Chamber of Commerce event, will the Minister advise what plans, if any, he has to pause, reduce or remove areas of regulation?"
Answer
The Government recognises that there is a live debate in jurisdictions across the UK and Europe about the level of regulation and number of regulatory systems in place and how this is not conducive to economic growth. The Government has acknowledged that the same concerns exist in Jersey and committed in its Common Strategic Policy to address this issue in two key areas: reducing red tape to enhance opportunities for business, and to reform the planning service to enable sustainable development in Jersey.
The CSP priorities have le to the following actions:
• Planning system – removing regulation by raising the threshold for when planning permission is required so that fewer islanders need to seek approval, introducing a fast-track process for minor applications and improving customer service throughout. This is already having an effect, with the backlog in minor planning applications having reduced by 27% between Q1 2024 and end of Q3 2024;
• International Competitiveness review – the Minister for External Relations and Financial Services has begun a review of Jersey's economic competitiveness and growth, particularly in the financial services sector. This will include providing options for simplifying the legislative framework and ensuring that the regulatory regime is fit for the future.
Changes are also being considered to the alcohol licensing law. A consultation has just been completed on changes that would result in fewer licence categories, a simpler application process, and more flexibility for businesses.