Scheme to improve affordability and infrastructure

Lyndon Farnham said the scheme was "about re-prioritising our expenditure"

Jersey's government has launched a long-term island wide programme to improve the island's public infrastructure.

Officials said the Investing in Jersey scheme would address the island's high cost of housing, ageing infrastructure and the "need to invest in future generations".

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said it would focus on homes, schools and essential services in a bid to support families and create new opportunities for islanders.

Officials said it would be supported by the new Jersey Capital Investment Fund, designed to protect infrastructure projects from economic volatility.

Farnham said the scheme marked a "significant step forward", adding "investing in Jersey is about making the right decisions today so that future generations can thrive".

Officials said the priorities in the programme would increase the supply of affordable homes and modern schools.

They also said investment would focus on improving roads, expanding mains water and drainage networks, as well as community focus spaces.

Officials added it would prioritise a structured capital fund to ensure future investment was properly planned and safeguarded.

'Hope and confidence'

Farnham said funding for the programme would come from an existing capital budget of about £70m to £80m per year.

He said: "We've been working on this for a year. The top priority is dealing with our demographic challenges."

He said the population of the island was set to grow because of longevity, while the working population was decreasing and a there was a fall in birth rates.

He said he hoped the plan would offer "hope and confidence" to young people.

He said: "This is about re-prioritising our expenditure into the things we really need, the things that are going to make Jersey more attractive, more affordable, provide more family homes.

"Make it a place where people can be, once again, proud to call home."