Politicians urged to vote on cuts to fee-paying schools

Senator Perchard wants all States members to vote on the proposed cuts

A call has been made for States members to decide whether subsidies should be reduced for Jersey's fee paying schools.

Deputy James Reed, education minister, plans to reduce funding to fee-paying schools over three years.

But Senator James Perchard said all members of the States of Jersey should be able to vote on the issue.

He said the education minister's plan could cost the island more in the long term.

Senator Perchard told BBC Jersey: "I would argue that he has taken the easy option and that his advisors have presented to him the easy option in how to achieve this.

"Actually if one looks at this very carefully it may backfire on the minister and end up costing the States and his department more money in the long run as children migrate from the fee-paying schools to the States provision."

Deputy Reed said he would be giving States members the chance to debate the issue.

He said: "I can understand the concerns raised by states members and the public alike over this particular proposal but it is one of many I am tasked to deliver.

"I have already given a commitment to States members that I will be bringing this matter to the States once I have concluded the relevant discussions I need to have with the schools concerned."

States members will have the opportunity to debate the issue during the budget debate in December.