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Jersey Post Postal Headquarters
JERSEY JE1 1AA
T +44 (0) 1534 616616 F +44 (0) 1534 871629
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www.jerseypost.com
23rd July 2020
Deputy Kirsten Morel , Chair
Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel Scrutiny Office
States Greffe
Morier House
St Helier
JE1 1DD
Dear Deputy Morel ,
Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel: Review of the decision to demerge CICRA
We welcome the commitment by the government to a professional independent regulator, geared to the needs of Jersey. As long as the regulatory framework, set in law, is appropriate for a modern island economy, the organisation of that is a matter for politicians. We do note that the Oxera Report of November 2015 made a number of recommendations "that could lead to significant improvements in the operation of the competition and regulatory regime in Jersey" which remain unimplemented.
There is nothing in principle that should mean separate regulatory authorities will have a negative impact other than the cost of ensuring the right skills, technical expertise and capacity are available. We note with some concern that it has been intimated the cost of a separate JCRA will be higher than a joint body and that it is probable that this additional cost will be borne by the regulated entities. In today's climate, anything that increases cost and ultimately borne by customers, is obviously unwelcome.
We were not consulted prior to the decision being published, and were informed by the then CEO of CICRA just before it became public. There were a number of important discussions in progress with CICRA that will need to be picked up by the new JCRA and we have begun discussions with the new team there.
We remain optimistic that Jersey will have a modern regulatory framework soon, overseen by a refreshed Jersey specific independent regulator geared to protecting consumers and business customers, and contributing to vibrant and healthy on-Island businesses that can compete here and around the world.
Yours sincerely
Tim Brown
Chief Executive Officer