Jersey and Guernsey competition authorities to demerge

The Channel Islands Competition and Regulatory Authorities (CICRA) will de-merge from 1 July 2020 to better address the different competition issues faced in Jersey and Guernsey.

CICRA was created in 2010 as an administrative arrangement between the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) and the Guernsey Competition and Regulatory Authority (GCRA) to share costs and expertise to work more efficiently across the Island. 

 

However, the differences in political and legal systems, priorities and political cycles between Jersey and Guernsey mean that both islands have varied scope for competition and economic regulation.

The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism Sport and Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham, has set the new direction for the JCRA to make competition work as well as it possibly can in the interests of Jersey consumers and businesses. 

A transition plan is being implemented by the JCRA to ensure that competition regulation is not affected by the change. As part of the demerger, up to four new members of staff will be appointed to operate the JCRA.

From 1 July, the JCRA will function independently under its own Board, executive and staff. It will continue to enforce competition and regulatory law, and seek to promote the best outcomes for consumers and businesses in Jersey’s markets.

Both the JCRA and GCRA will continue to co-operate where appropriate. 

Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham, said: “CICRA has demonstrated excellent cooperation between the two Islands, and I thank staff for their hard work over the last 10 years.

“However, with a changing economic outlook, this decision has been made to enable the JCRA to focus on the consumer matters that impact people in Jersey. A renewed focus by the JCRA on promoting competition can support Islanders’ living standards and improve the competitiveness of businesses. 

“The decision to follow this course of action was taken before the COVID 19 issue arose. We had discussed a postponement with Guernsey but the decision to proceed with a 30th of June implementation was needed to settle the regulatory structure there in keeping with their regulatory plans.

“Overall, unwinding CICRA will enhance the ability of the JCRA to be responsive, adaptable and in tune with the needs of consumers and businesses and is in the best interests of Jersey’s economy.”