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Our Manifesto for 2008 and Beyond
JDA Manifesto |
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views, news and stories from the point of view of younger people in the JDA
Election 2008
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The JDA has always opposed GST and supported progressive taxation. We will set out a balanced programme of measures to eliminate GST over a 3-year period. This will include careful examination of potential yields from:
Increased tax revenues from economic growth (£60m+ surplus for 2008) Land Value Tax and Development Tax 1(1)(k) wealthy residents make fair contributions (up to £20m) Changes to Social Security payments (up to £60m)
This may also allow the removal of “20 means 20” from middle income families.
The JDA is committed to Government reform. We successfully proposed votes for 16-year olds in 2005. In 2009 we will again propose a comprehensive package of reforms based on Clothier to a new Assembly. This will include a general election; direct voting for the Chief Minister; an end to the dual roles of the Bailiff and the Attorney-General and a complete overhaul of the registration and voting systems. Where proposals are contentious the JDA will seek a referendum.
The JDA calls for an urgent review of Income Support. Income Support is not well targeted. It does not provide incentives for people to save or to work and has left many pensioners and others in poverty. It removed free access to GPs from many. Senator Routier hides its faults behind misleading figures and has delayed serious cuts until after the elections.
The JDA will protect Jersey by promoting a truly sustainable population policy. The Council of Ministers, led by Senator Ozouf has allowed for rampant economic growth of 7%. This has resulted in population growth (90,000 and rising) largely through runaway immigration; over one third of new jobs were filled by immigrants in 2007. Imagine Jersey 2035 was a cynical, stage-managed attempt to persuade us that the answer to the problem of an ageing society lies in growing the population. This is completely untrue, and yet ministers are already making plans based on yearly population growth of over 500. Sustainable economic and population targets must be set and fully debated by the States. |
Debbie de Sousa, Christine Papworth, Shona Pitman, Geoff Southern and Trevor Pitman are standing for election for Deputy.
Debbie Christine Shona |
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Geoff |
Trevor |
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Comments on Three of the Candidates by Ted Vibert Former Senator Founder Jersey Democratic Alliance "Shona has worked hard on behalf of her constituents since her election three years ago. She has demonstrated that she has both the political will and the courage to represent the less well-off and under-privileged in our society. Shona has carried out her election promises, especially her work to make the States a more democratic institution."
“Jersey needs States members like Geoff Southern. His work for ordinary people has often gone unnoticed but, over his years as a deputy, he has shown total commitment to helping members of the public from all backgrounds. He has promised to keep up this work and his record shows that he will.”
“Any person standing for the States to represent the ordinary people of Jersey requires courage by the bucketful. As I know from experience, it’s a tough road taking on the establishment. Trevor Pitman has that courage and I hope the people of Jersey give him the chance to try and change things for the better.” |
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The JDA proposes to kick-start the renovation of the Fort by spending £10m to £15m from the interest on the Strategic Reserve (Rainy Day Fund) to restore access to the Fort from Snow Hill via high-tech lifts. The Fort can once more be the major cultural, sporting and conference centre for residents (especially young people) and visitors alike. The Fort was an ideal wet weather facility for families. We cannot let it rot for another 3 years.
The JDA believes that sustainable population levels are crucial to protection of our environment. We call for an alliance between town and country to unite behind sensible limits to growth. The “rural alliance” should not be persuaded that green fields can be saved by piling high-density, high-rise building in the urban areas.
The JDA remains opposed to the choice of a massive high-cost incinerator over smaller modular alternatives. We will examine whether the funding decision represented good value for money and continue to promote improved recycling rates through better States/Parish co-operation.
The JDA supports the introduction of a minister for children. Our young people are the island’s best asset. We must ensure they have the best training and opportunities available. Why then has the budget for training and workforce development been slashed by half in 2009? This government pays lip service to our young people. We strongly support the development of the island’s youth service and will promote the provision of affordable facilities for young people.
The JDA has long supported fair access to nursery education. We are pleased at the progress made. At the other end of the age range, there is evidence that young people are put off applying to university by the costs. We need to re-examine the impact of the grant/loan arrangements on middle earning families. Despite achieving excellent exam results at 16 and 18, secondary schools are reporting a worrying drop in literacy rates at transfer from primary. This must be investigated and tackled.
The JDA campaigned alongside the Chamber of Commerce against the costs imposed on local businesses by GST. Many small businesses are now struggling against competition from the internet, and the Waterfront development may soon destroy trade in central St Helier. The JDA will investigate whether the Regulations of Undertakings Law is fairly applied between large and small businesses.
The JDA fully supports the continued development of an ethical and well-regulated Finance Industry, it is after all the main driver of our success. Many people however are worried by its domination of the economy, especially in the light of the credit crunch. The JDA continues to support appropriate, targeted government subsidy for the tourism and agriculture sectors. We believe it is vital to maintain the delicate balance between these three interdependent sectors of the economy. The current “open seas” competition policy on the southern ferry route has been an abject failure as many predicted. Strong regulation coupled with an effective Service Level Agreement is the only way forward.
Income Support has failed to lift pensioners out of poverty, and penalises those with savings. Many pensioners still live in fear of losing their home to pay for care. A residential care scheme, which improves on the Guernsey model, would be top of our priority action list.
The JDA will seek to supply sufficient affordable family homes to meet increasing demand. This can only be achieved if we set and achieve sustainable population targets. Present policies result in greater J-cat migrants adding to house price inflation. The Jersey home Buyer scheme, whilst laudable, cannot solve the problem since it stokes up demand but does not increase supply. We shall try to find a more cost effective mechanism for delivering land for housing.
If you wish to make your own views known to us please send us an email at contactus@jdajersey.co.uk
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