Chamber Welcomes Long-Term Investment Vision with Call for Realistic Delivery and Fairness

The Jersey Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the publication of the Government’s Investing in Jersey 2026–2050 strategy, recognising it as a long overdue and positive step towards addressing the Island’s infrastructure, housing, and public service challenges. 

The plan outlines a long-term vision supported by a proposed Jersey Capital Investment Fund, aiming to improve roads, schools, housing, utilities, and community facilities over the next 25 years. 

Chamber President Lee Madden commented: 
 
“We fully support the principle of long-term, coordinated investment. This plan sets out a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring Jersey’s infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our community and economy. However, ambition must be matched by delivery. Our members are asking the same questions the public will be: how will this be paid for, and will it be delivered on time?” 

While the Chamber welcomes the Government’s ambition, it has called for clarity on the timeline and the mechanisms to ensure the plan is not delayed or diluted in the run-up to the June 2026 elections. 

“We support this initiative, but that support must be conditional,” said Vice-President Eliot Lincoln. “Funding must be fair and proportionate, and delivery must continue beyond this political term. If the Government wants the trust of the business community, it must demonstrate transparency, delivery milestones, and safeguards, and its funding not continue to add to the burden of doing business in Jersey that has increased significantly in the last two years.” 

The Chamber notes the potential economic value in securing a reliable investment pipeline that supports local business confidence, construction capacity, and workforce planning. It is also supportive of measures to address the housing crisis and educational investment. 

However, it raises concerns about potential hidden tax increases, the sustainability of any additional borrowing, and the ongoing need to ensure our government spends its income wisely and it is sized appropriately. 

The Chamber will continue to engage constructively with the Government on this programme and will seek the views of its membership and leadership team to ensure that the Island’s business interests are well represented in the months ahead. 

“This is a welcome step, but we urge Government not to lose momentum,” added Chamber CEO Murray Norton. “Let’s get moving, avoid prevarication, and strike a fair balance between ambition and affordability.”