Where next for Jersey?

Wednesday 12 July 2017

Jersey States have published the next step in a major consultation exercise designed to set out how we want the island to improve over the next 20 years - and reducing migration, having more money and looking after the environment were all high on the agenda.

Future Jersey was drafted following the 'My Jersey' public consultation survey which received 4,150 responses and over 8,000 comments describing people's aspirations for the island.

Drawing from people's responses to 'My Jersey', it sets out 10 community, environmental and economic outcomes have been set out:

1. We will feel safe and protected at home, work and in public
2. Our children will enjoy the best start in life
3. We will enjoy living in a vibrant and inclusive community
4. We will enjoy long, healthy and active lives
5. We will value and enjoy our built and historic environment
6. We will protect our unique natural environment for future generations
7. We will use and maintain our natural resources responsibly
8. We will be able to afford a decent standard of living
9. Our island will be an attractive place to do business
10. We will be able to benefit from a strong economy and rewarding job opportunities.

Those are described as, "...big picture issues that drive people's quality of life." Dr Ian Skinner,  Assistant Director for Strategic Planning, says: "They are not about instant results but about where we want to be."

Progress made on those outcomes will be assessed according to 58 'Island Indicators'. In 'My Jersey' respondents were asked to give Jersey a score on different topics such as crime reduction, work/life balance health, historic buildings and others, as well as being asked what they would like that score to be in the future. 

The biggest gaps in between those two scores - showing how far the island has to improve - were in topics relating to sustainable resources and affordable living.

Respondents to the survey gave a 3.7 score to Jersey in terms of "secure, affordable and sustainable energy" but want this score to go up to 6.2. They feel that Jersey "...should be doing more to exploit solar, wind and tidal energy opportunities." Their responses suggest they also want the island to better manage its waste and are frustrated at "...the inconsistent approach to recycling across the parishes."

When it comes to affordable living, respondents indicated that they are concerned about the disparity in earnings between sectors of the economy, as low income households spend more on everyday essentials than better-off households.  They also indicated that more could be done to support those who need help to achieve a decent standard of living.

Pictured: Islanders are being asked to comment on 'Future Jersey' and the ambitions it sets out for the island.

The 10 outcomes outlined in 'Future Jersey' are not set in stone. Dr Skinner explained: "This is discussion document that marks the next step in consulting the public on the long-term vision for the island. This is the first time we are drafting a 20 year plan, if it is going to have longevity, we need people behind it."

Islanders are now being asked to share their views on this "long-term vision", whether they agree or not with it, and what they would change about it. 

Dr Skinner says: "This is the last occasion for islanders to have a final say on what are the community's aspiration and ambitions before the drafting of the vision. Hopefully we are heading in the right direction!"