​​​​(Updated 18 December 2017)

​​​​The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) was established by the States of Jersey in 2001 as an independent regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry. Postal services then became a regulated sector in 2004, and the States enacted the Competition (Jersey) Law in 2005.

The Jersey Regulatory and Competition Framework Review was a major independent review, which was carried out by the economics consultancy Oxera in 2015.

The review sought to identify whether there are changes that could be made to the Island’s competition and regulatory framework. The review took into account the context within which the JCRA operates, and focussed on securing better outcomes for local consumers and the Jersey economy.

Professor Sir John Vickers, who acted as an adviser to Oxera on this review, said “In small-island economies, such as Jersey, it is just as important that markets work well as it is in larger economies. But in smaller jurisdictions competition policy, and regulation, where competition is not possible, faces particular challenges. Conducting competition and regulatory policy well is hard, but the economic benefits can be substantial".

The Assistant Chief Minister, responsible for competition, has stated that there have been important lessons and developments in regulatory and competition policy in both small and larger jurisdictions around the world over the last decade. 

The government should ensure that the JCRA is in the best position to perform the very important role with which it has been entrusted and it is therefore very important to ensure that our laws, policies and arrangements are the best that they can be. This will allow our markets to continue to work in the interests of consumers and the Island as a whole. Effective competition and regulatory policy, combined with low barriers to entry and greater innovation, is critical in supporting jobs and growth and in keeping inflation low.

Senator Ozouf said “I was extremely pleased with the report, moreover that the report was widely welcomed across all stakeholders, the government, regulated entities and interested consumers.  This positive response has given us the confidence to act decisively to implement the recommendations. I take this opportunity of thanking Oxera, the Economics Unit and CICRA for having strongly supported the action plan.”

The report sets out 23 recommendations that require changes in legislation, can be implemented by the JCRA itself or require involvement from the government.

The Chief Minister’s Department is publishing a draft action plan for comment setting out how it intends to address the recommendations of the Jersey Regulatory and Competition Framework Review. The action plan has a clear timeline that is in the process of being discussed with stakeholders and the plan will be revised and updated based on any feedback received.

You can download the draft Jersey Regulatory and Competition Framework Review: Action Plan using the link below. It uses the RAG (Red, Amber, Green) system to monitor the progress of each of the recommendations.  

Regulato​r​y and competition framework review action plan​

Terms of reference: review of the Jersey regulatory and competition framework​

A review of the Jersey regulatory and competition framework

Any comments or questions on the action plan can be submitted to Colin Gibaut, Director Strategic Development 

Email Colin Gibaut​