The Migration and Population Review Panel has launched its review of the Common Population Policy today and is asking Islanders for their views.
The proposed policy, which was lodged on 10 December, will be reviewed by the Panel prior to its debate by the States Assembly in February 2022.
The Panel will examine the rationale behind the development of the policy, whether it is fit for purpose and whether it fulfils the commitments which have been set out by previous decisions of the States Assembly.
The Panel is encouraging Islanders to share their views by completing the ‘get involved’ form on the States Assembly website or by emailing [email protected]. It has issued a call for evidence, asking people their views on the following areas:
- 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?
Key organisations in a diverse range of sectors of the Jersey community will also be asked to submit evidence to the review, and public hearings will be held in January with the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, and Assistant Chief Minister, Deputy Rowland Huelin.
The Chair of the Migration and Population Review Panel, Senator Steve Pallett, said: ‘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. 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.’
Scrutiny Press Release.