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The island’s most populous parish has taken another step towards greater independence after parishioners voted in favour of creating a new elected council.
In a Parish Assembly last night, St. Helier voted in favour of the Constable officially taking plans to establish a ‘Conseil Municipal’ to the States Assembly later this year.
With the formation of a Municipal Council, the aim is that the States could transfer additional responsibilities to the Parish, which could be more effectively managed at the local level.
The central argument for establishing a Conseil Municipal is that delegating further work to an elected body in St. Helier would enable the parish to provide “more efficient” and “timely” administrative services to residents and the business community, while freeing up Government time to concentrate on its “core business”.
One such example is alcohol licensing, which currently involves Government and the judiciary.
The idea of creating a new council for St. Helier was first considered more than 100 years ago, but it was not put in motion until the end of 2019 when the Parish Assembly established a new ‘Shadow Conseil’ to trial the concept.
Pictured: Individuals appointed to the 'Shadow Council'.
Reform Jersey politicians Senator Sam Mézec and Deputy Rob Ward appeared at last night’s parish meeting to speak in favour of the proposal.
They said they felt it would “improve our environment and local services.”
This evening we were pleased to attend the Town Hall to support the proposal to establish a St Helier Municipal Council.
— Reform Jersey (@ReformJersey) April 27, 2022
Our policy is to support more powers being devolved to St Helier so we can improve our environment and local services. pic.twitter.com/1Oso7ytUWI
Procureur Geraint Jennings, one of the parish’s financial custodians, said after the vote: “With wide support across the political spectrum and community, we look forward to all parties and candidates being able to discuss and explain their positions before the proposition comes to post-election.”
FOCUS: St. Helier’s bid for greater independence
St. Helier elects 'Shadow Council'
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