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A panel of politicians has launched a review to establish if Ministers’ newly announced population policy is “fit for purpose."
Published on 10 December by Assistant Chief Minister Deputy Rowland Huelin, the draft ‘Common Population Policy’ proposes “progressively reducing the island’s reliance on net inward migration” - but does not state how that will work in practice.
Instead, the policy says detailed questions - such as what Jersey’s population should be, how many migrants should be allowed to live in the island and what industries those people should work in - should be left to another day, when the Government has developed computer systems to capture enough data to answer them.
The policy is currently scheduled for a States Assembly vote in February 2022.
To inform the debate, the Migration and Population Panel, which is chaired by Senator Steve Pallett, has launched a review.
Pictured: Deputy Rowland Huelin, the Assistant Chief Minister with responsibility for the population policy.
As well as holding public hearings with Deputy Huelin and the Chief Minister, among other key business groups and organisations, in the new year, it is seeking feedback from the public on the following:
is the proposed Common Population Policy fit for purpose?
Is it reasonable to expect the Council of Ministers to update its policy each year within the Government Plan?
Did the public have sufficient opportunity to influence and take part in the formation of the proposed policy?
Are there areas of concern that the proposed policy does not provide guidance on?
What actions will Islanders, businesses and the Government of Jersey need to consider to meet the proposed policy?
Is there sufficient reasoning within the policy to conclude that it is premature to set any specific population target?
“The Panel would like to receive as broad a range of views as possible on the Common Population Policy and the impact that it will have,” Senator Pallett commented.
Pictured: Senator Steve Pallett, the Chair of the review panel.
“This is one of the most widely anticipated documents from this Council of Ministers’ term of office. We are keen to hear what impact people believe it will have on the island’s future, from the provision of public services to economy and the way we work and live.”
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