07 April 2009
The Strategic Plan has been lodged with the States. This second draft incorporates changes made as a result of responses received from States members, special interest groups and individuals. It also incorporates the Council of Ministers’ policy on population, which has been revised following new figures that show life expectancy is increasing faster than predicted.
Senator Terry Le Sueur said: “The public have made it clear they want no more development on green fields. We have listened to that view and we want to keep the population peak below 100,000. So we are revising our maximum inward migration level from 200 to 150 for the next three years. This figure is at the bottom end of our range of 150-200, and will be considered again when the strategic plan is next reviewed in three years.
“This has implications though. If we are to maintain the working age population, which is crucial for the future of the Island, we will need to find other ways of dealing with the effects of the ageing population: including retiring later, raising productivity and paying more taxes.
We have now incorporated recent estimates from the UK government actuary into our long term predictions. These show that life expectancy has risen more than anticipated, so these other policy options will be all the more important if we are to keep a balance of working to non-working islanders.”
Senator Terry Le Sueur also said: “The Council of Ministers has been delighted by both the quality and quantity of the responses received. Members of the public have made many important points which we have considered and many of which are now reflected in this draft proposal.”
A total of 156 comments have been received to date, all of which have been considered by the Council of Ministers. The following changes have been included as a result:
• Population proposals have been adjusted to keep the peak figure below 100,000;
• The intention to work together with charities and other voluntary organisations has been highlighted;
• Environmental concerns and targets are clearly defined, within the strategic aim of balancing environmental, social and economic policy;
• Community safety is now a separate priority (rather than forming one aspect of social inclusion);
Many of the consultation responses received have proposed specific actions rather than strategic policies. These comments have been forwarded to the appropriate departments for consideration when drafting their business plans.
The document will now be considered in detail by Scrutiny, and consultation continues until 21 May 2009. Any feedback received until then will be studied and, if considered significant, will then be reflected in amendments to the plan.
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Notes to Editors:
1. For further information, please contact Senator Terry Le Sueur on 07797 718798
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