Chief Minister's Speech at the Chamber Lunch on June 19, 2024
June 19, 2024
Summary of Chief Minister's Speech on June 19, 2024
Key Points:
- New government focused on stability, addressing cost-of-living issues, and delivering essential services.
- Progress made on:
- Teacher pay deal
- Grève De Lecq purchase for National Trust
- Funding for charities and new rehabilitation center
- Assisted Dying debate
- Reduced GP fees
- Financial support for domestic abuse victims
- Nursery Education Fund
- First Step home ownership scheme
- Common Strategic Policy (CSP) priorities for next two years:
- Increased childcare and school meals
- Lifelong learning initiatives
- New hospital construction
- Reduced GP fees
- Implementing recommendations on violence against women
- Living wage implementation
- Affordable housing solutions
- Controlling government fees and charges
- Planning service reform
- Reduced red tape and business support
- Town revitalization plan
- Climate change action
- Measures to support businesses:
- Living wage implementation with support package
- Reduced government fees and streamlined processes
- Skills development programs
- Financial services industry:
- Positive outcome from MONEYVAL assessment expected in July.
- Hospitality and retail sectors:
- Relaxed tourism laws for new accommodation types
- Retail strategy coming soon
- Government efficiency initiatives:
- CEO reappointment for stability
- Public sector rightsizing through vacancy management and reduced consultancy reliance
- Focus on developing local talent
- Healthcare:
- Overdale hospital construction on track for 2028 completion
- Social and cultural infrastructure:
- Plans underway to revitalize Fort Regent and other public spaces
- Long-term challenges:
- Aging population and workforce changes due to technology
- Need for strategic workforce planning
Overall Message:
The new government is committed to working collaboratively to address current challenges and build a more confident and prosperous future for Jersey.
