Economic Affairs - Approved Panel Minutes - 28 March 2007

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Agenda matter

Action

1.

Briefings from the Economic Development Department

The  Panel  received  an  officer  report  in  respect  of  proposed briefings on subjects of interest to be provided by the Economic Development Department.

The Panel agreed that it would meet with the Department to receive briefings on-

A briefing on the finance industry at 2.00pm on 26th April 2007 from Connétable Fisher and representatives of the relevant bodies.

A briefing on matters relating to the airport at 2.00pm at 19th April 2007 from airport representatives.

A briefing on the current retail strategy at a time to be arranged.

The Panel noted that it wished these briefings to take place in the States Building so that the proceedings could be recorded.

Officers were directed to take the appropriate action.

NJF

2.

Retail Strategy Review report – Consideration of draft 3

The Panel received the third draft of the Retail Strategy Review report.

Amendments to report It noted that-

The structure needed to be modified to reflect the chronological order of events.

The glossary should be expanded to reflect the differences between terms used in the UK and their application in the Jersey context.

The  analysis  of  achievement  of  the  four  goals  detailed  in  the Experian report should be expanded, and compared to its findings.

Comparisons  of variable pricing across  the  UK from  the  UK Statistics Office should be recorded in an appendix to the report.

Detailed benefits to Jersey producers and the Jersey economy from buying locally produced goods should be included in the report.

The Panel was minded to included in the report a recommendation that  the  Department redevelop  the Retail  Framework  to better specify the type and size of retail space to be introduced and the manner in which this was to be introduced.

The subject of leakage of retail spend through internet sales and shopping trips to France should be incorporated in the report.

The Panel decided not to include investigations into the regulatory role of JCRA in the interim report; however issues surrounding reduction in competition should be included.

Additional information

Officers were directed to seek to obtain the terms of reference for the Experian report immediately. If these were not forthcoming the Panel intended to write to the Department to clarify that it would approach the Privileges and Procedures Committee to summon the Minister to attend upon the Panel with the appropriate information if so required.

The Panel was advised that Draft 4 of the interim report would be completed by the afternoon of Friday 30th March. It was intended that it be released to stakeholders on 5th April 2007, and that it be presented to the States approximately one week later, having taken account of the relevant stakeholder feedback.

The Panel delegated authority to the Chairman to make any further amendments to the Retail Strategy Review report as necessary.

NJF

LK NJF

3.

EDAW Report

The Panel were informed that the EDAW report was scheduled to be passed to the St Helier action group and to the Council of Ministers  on  29th  March 2007.  A draft copy  of  the  report was requested by the Panel.

Officers were directed to take the appropriate action.

NJF

4.

Item 5 7th March 2007

Institute of Directors debate

The Panel noted an e-mail received by the Chairman in respect of an Institute of Directors debate on

Achieving a coherent vision for St Helier, sponsored by Carey Olsen.

The Panel recalled that it has previously agreed that the Chairman would attend with one other member to be decided at a later date.

Officers were directed to take the appropriate action to finalise the arrangements.

NJF