Environment cuts could hit island economy - panel

The Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel discussed the proposed cuts with Environment Minister Steve Luce

Politicians have expressed concerns about proposed cuts to the government's environment department.

The Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel said the impact of the proposals from Jersey government's budget came at a time of growing regulatory needs, including a move to address food labelling and allergies.

Panel chair Hilary Jeune said she feared the proposed cuts - which involved the department finding £749,000 from staffing costs - could "hit the competitiveness of our economy, livelihoods and essential regulatory work".

Environment Minister Steve Luce told the panel "dark clouds on the horizon are starting to roll in" and there were significant challenges ahead.

Luce said the funding cuts could cause particular challenges to sections of the department which already had small teams of two or three people.

He said: "If you reduce that team by one, it has a massive effect."

Jeune said given the minister had his own concerns about the cuts, it should be an issue everyone took note of.

She added the cuts were a "potential threat" to the island's economic growth.

"Not only is the reduction in budget a worry, but there is no contingency financing at all for the department," Jeune said.

"That means any unexpected incidents, such as another major storm, a disease threat to livestock or the public, would mean other areas are de-prioritised further."