The Proposition for the funding of Jersey’s new hospital has been formally lodged with the States.
P.80/2021 asks the States Assembly to approve the maximum budget of £804.5 million.
The Proposition also asks he States Assembly to fund the Our Hospital Project through borrowing – as opposed to using the Government’s reserves – as this will take advantage of historically low interest rates and maintain existing reserves.
The proposition has been lodged by the Council of Ministers and follows the publication of the Our Hospital Business Case document two weeks ago, which can be viewed on www.ourhospital.je
The Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Susie Pinel, said: “Building a new hospital requires the Island to make a significant investment and we are proposing an affordable solution to borrow at historically low fixed interest rates to fund Our Hospital and maintain our existing reserves. This will enable the States to generate more income from our reserves than interest would be payable on debt, without seeking additional taxes from Islanders.”
Senator Lyndon Farnham, Chair of the Our Hospital Political Oversight Group, said: “This is a key stage in the development of the Our Hospital Project, and approval of the funding proposal by the States Assembly will enable our new hospital to be completed and fully operational as scheduled in 2026.
“It is essential that we keep the project moving forward. Taking advantage of the current low interest rates will provide the most cost-effective means of funding the new hospital and avoid further unnecessary costs for the island.”
The proposition is due to be debated in the States Assembly sitting which begins on 5 October 2021.
Government of Jersey News Release.