Throughout the pandemic, the Government has looked to match any necessary health restrictions with appropriate financial support.
Today, alongside my fellow Ministers, I would like to announce our COVID-19 Winter Economy Plan.
This has been developed to provide the right level of further economic intervention at the right stage in this ongoing pandemic.
The original support package included the Co-Funded Payroll Scheme and the Covid-19 Related Emergency Support Scheme, the Business Disruption Loan Guarantee Scheme and deferrals of GST and Social Security payments.
This support has been endorsed by the Fiscal Policy Panel as an appropriate response to the economic effects of the pandemic and for being sufficiently targeted, temporary and timely to hit the right balance of Government intervention.
The Winter Economy Plan includes a revised payroll support scheme, but also sector-specific schemes aimed at supporting the significant fixed costs of those industries most severely impacted by the pandemic.
Today, I can announce a scheme for Visitor Accommodation Providers, which will support up to 80% of designated fixed costs, paid on a monthly basis in arrears. The scheme, which will go live to applicants on Monday, 23 November, will cover the period from October 2020 to April 2021.
This will ensure that Jersey maintains a quality and diverse selection of visitor accommodation, to both leisure and business visitors. This is of critical importance for the 2021 tourism season and beyond. Guidance on this new scheme is now available on gov.je.
The final details of a scheme for Events, Attractions and other business most severely impacted by the Pandemic will also be announced imminently.
Overall - the new visitor accommodation scheme, and co-funded payroll changes, will cost more than £17 million in total. These schemes will go through to Spring next year. Funding for 2021 depends on the Government Plan being approved.
If further health measures have to be introduced in the critical weeks and months ahead, we will consider the parameters of our support measures and revise them where necessary.
Government of Jersey News Release.