A fresh bid to remove GST from food looks set to be put to ministers after an online petition gathered almost 900 signatures in a matter of days – and provoked a pledge from the Reform Jersey leader to remove the tax if his party is elected to lead government.
The topic has regularly provoked intense debate – both publicly and politically – with several calls to axe the levy since its controversial introduction in 2008 amid an escalating cost-of-living crisis.
The new petition, created by islander David Eccles, cited the financial difficulties many islanders are currently facing and said the removal of GST would be a “great help to everyone”.
Petitions which gather more than 1,000 signatures require a ministerial response while those which get more than 5,000 are considered for States debate.
Responding to the latest petition, Reform Jersey leader Deputy Sam Mézec said that taking GST off food remained a manifesto pledge that his party would look implement should enough of their members be elected to form a government.
On social media, he said: “I totally appreciate that everyone signing this petition is doing so in good faith. But it won’t work, just like none of the other petitions have worked.”
Despite widespread public protests opposing the tax, GST was introduced in Jersey in 2008 at an initial rate of 3%.
This figure rose to 5% as part of the 2011 States Budget proposal and has remained at that level since.
In 2022, Deputy Raluca Kovacs lodged a proposition to scrap the 5% sales tax during a time of rocketing interest rates.
The proposal was rejected by States Members by 28 votes to 17.
Moves to introduce GST in Guernsey were resisted for several years but, in November 2024, the States Assembly eventually approved a 5% charge in line with Jersey to come into force in 2027.
The petition will remain live until 31 January 2026.
