Housing and infrastructure scheme 'long overdue'

The government's new strategy has been welcomed

A new 25-year strategy aimed at improving homes, schools, roads, and public spaces has been welcomed by business leaders.

Jersey's government hopes to make the island more attractive to younger generations by investing in affordable housing and repairing ageing infrastructure.

The plans have been praised by Jersey Chamber of Commerce (JCC) as a "positive step", while Jersey Hospitality Association (JHA) said the proposals were "long overdue" and set out what had "been missing for too long".

Both warned that the strategy hinged on the next government, following the 2026 elections, being able to deliver on its promises.

Funding for the programme will come from an existing capital budget of about £70m to £80m per year, chief minister Lyndon Farnham previously said.

However, chair of a public accounts committee deputy Inna Gardiner believes the government will still need to borrow significant amounts. She said while she is not against borrowing, it needs to be affordable and controlled.

"The current proposal doesn't set any clear limits so it doesn't define either where we had the hard caps and debt could just drift upwards, so we need to ensure that we're able to pay the debt," she said.

'Let's get moving'

Investment will focus on improving roads, expanding mains water and drainage networks, as well as community focus spaces.

JCC president Lee Madden said the authority welcomed the plan, but called for clarity on its timeline.

He said: "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?"

CEO Murray Norton said it was a welcomed step as he urged the government not to lose momentum.

"Let's get moving, avoid prevarication and strike a fair balance between ambition and affordability," he added.

JHA co-CEOs Ana and Marcus Calvani said sustainable economic growth was needed in the visitor economy.

They said: "We have been calling for an urgent need for diverse economic growth and this is an encouraging response from government, not overly visionary, but focused on what is critically needed from our public sector."

The JHA said it wanted to see targeted investment for affordable family housing, revitalised community spaces and an overhaul of Jersey's drainage system.

Mr and Mrs Calvani added: "This plan is not about government building hotels, it's about government finally building confidence.

"If Jersey wants a thriving visitor economy, it must first deliver the infrastructure that enables private sector investment."