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Attac / TJN Jersey Press Release
Embargoed until 00.01 5 May 2006
Jersey's new tax laws: We want our Island back
Jersey issues its proposals for new tax laws to implement its 0/10 tax strategy on 5 May.
"These proposals are a disaster for the ordinary people of Jersey," said Pat Lucas President of Attac after reviewing the policy document. "Just when they're to be hit with GST their employers will also have to pay an additional £500 of tax for each working person, which they're bound to pass on through reduced wages."
Jean Andersson, Attac's Secretary said, "We recognise that the finance industry has a role to play in the Jersey economy, and will have for some time to come, but these changes represent a complete shift in Jersey's relationship with that industry. In the past we've played host to it, and they've paid significant amounts of tax as their contribution for co- existing with us. But this document makes clear that will not be the case in the future. What it says is that the people of Jersey should pay their own way, and the finance industry should use our Island rent free."
Chris Steel, Treasurer of Attac added, "It's good to see that warnings issued by Richard Murphy, who is adviser to Attac Jersey and to the Tax Justice Network, about previous 0/10 plans have been heeded and that "look-through taxation" has been abandoned. It's clear that he was a good friend to Jersey in stopping us make the mistake of following that path."
Chris continued, "What's more worrying are the choices that our government have now made. Proposals to enable the finance industry to make a continuing and fair contribution to the Jersey economy were presented to the Shadow Scrutiny Panel last summer. They imposed few, if any, additional burdens on it whilst being compliant with the EU Code. But now Senator Le Sueur has chosen to exempt the finance industry from almost all taxes and charges and to pile these onto the ordinary people of Jersey instead."
Pat Lucas said "The new RUDL looks like a poll tax on working people by any other name. Poll tax was the final straw for the last Tory government in the UK. Could it be the same here in Jersey? Will it push the ordinary people who are committed to living and working here, come what may, to the point where they say "enough is enough, we like our friends in finance, but not if they don't pay their way". Right now it seems that Senator Walker wants to give finance a free-ride, and Jersey can't afford that."