A further £6.8 million of Fiscal Stimulus funding is being released to a range of organisations including Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, The Shelter Trust, Jersey Hospice Care and the National Trust.
The Fiscal Stimulus Fund - which was approved by the States Assembly in November 2020 - was launched to support the Island’s recovery from the impact of COVID-19 by funding projects which will stimulate the economy.
In the first tranche of the scheme, announced in April, £22.8 million was awarded to 30 projects, while the second tranche received 65 new applications and a further 16 were moved into it from tranche one. Of these, 26 projects, totalling £36 million, were asked to provide a Business Case, and were considered for funding.
Schemes receiving funds in the second tranche include:
- Almost £27,500 to Jersey Action Against Rape to increase the hours it provides counselling services, refurbish its premises and develop a small Ecommerce site.
- £135,000 to Brighter Futures to develop a digital strategy to improve service delivery, and provide an internship programme
- £2.16 million for the National Trust to develop Morel Farm as a visitor experience
- £980,000 to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust for enabling and preparatory works at Jersey Zoo to prepare for the construction of a new indoor gorilla house
- £411,000 for an Adaptive Surf Centre, run by Healing Waves
- £189,500 for the Shelter Trust to increase their available accommodation
A Fiscal Stimulus Oversight Group (FSOG) was set up to oversee the programme. While the Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Susie Pinel, took the final decision on applications, she received recommendations and comments from FSOG, the Economic Recovery Political Oversight Group (ERPOG) and the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel (CSSP).
The Fund was originally approved to provide up to £50 million funding to support Jersey’s economic recovery. After two tranches, £30m of the available funding has been allocated.
Whether and how to allocate the remaining funds is currently being considered subject to feedback from FSOG and ERPOG. CSSP will also be asked for their views and comments. An announcement will be made after further appraisal based on updated economic advice.
Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Susie Pinel, said: “This second round of Fiscal Stimulus Funding will support projects to protect our heritage, provide sports facilities, and support those who have need for special counselling services or for a specific schooling programme run by Every Child our Future.
“With this second tranche of funding we’ve again followed the criteria that for these
projects to provide fiscal stimulus to the economy, they must be temporary, targeted and timely.
“We are confident that the projects being supported will help to stimulate the economy and provide additional benefits for Islanders.”