Plan to help Jersey's ageing population proposed

Deputy Inna Gardiner says Jersey's planning policies need to adapt to the ageing population

Calls have been made to improve planning policies to help Jersey's ageing population.

Deputy Inna Gardiner has lodged a proposition to create an "age-friendly infrastructure framework" to adapt planning standards to help elderly people.

She said the framework would have age-inclusive planning guidance, improve public transport accessibility and promote "10-minute neighbourhoods" to keep GPs, pharmacies, shops and parks within walking distance.

Gardiner said the island faced a "profound demographic shift" with Statistics Jersey suggesting the older population was expected to increase rapidly over the next 20-30 years.

'Rare opportunity'

The proposition also calls for a commitment to developing anti-slip pavements, doorways without steps and more public toilets and sheltered seating.

Gardiner said she felt the island's infrastructure and planning policies needed to adapt.

"This [framework] gives Jersey a rare opportunity to plan ahead to adapt our public spaces, transport networks, and services before they become inadequate," she added.

"Failure to do so will increase long-term dependency, health and care costs, and social isolation among older islanders."

The earliest date for debate of the proposition at the States Assembly is 8 July.