Q. What are the candidates’ opinions about the UK firms trading in Jersey which compete with local shops but do not pay tax locally and what do they propose to do about it?

A. This problem was known when we adopted the zero ten tax regime but nothing has been done to correct it. It is unfair that businesses which are owned by off island corporations, can operate locally in competition with locally owned firms, generate economic value, distribute their profits elsewhere and make no contribution to our economy. This situation is even more unfair when their employees are on low wages and we have to top up their wages from Income support. This operates as a disincentive to investment in local businesses and encourages their sale to off island corporations. We have to correct this; if it can’t be done by income tax another means must be found.

Q. What do they candidates consider should be done to improve the decision making in the States ?

A. When we adopted the Ministerial system recommended by Clothier we did not accept their suggestions for the States Assembly and ended up with a ministerial system detached from the States .The machinery of government we have now has to be improved because decisions are made in ministerial silos. Decisions on policy often progress too far, at much cost, without achieving sufficient consensus and public support for these policies and members are often left with no real choice.  For example the questionable and unpopular two site hospital proposal has almost got to the point of signing a contract, but now after two years it has been finally been agreed by ministers that the States debate it.  This would never have happened with committees which had greater member involvement at an early stage of policy setting.  The ministerial system can be made to work better if it is modified.  I brought amendments to the States of Jersey Law to achieve greater inclusivity of all States members in decision making and other improvements, but these were largely rejected. I shall continue to work for these changes if elected.

Q. What do candidates consider can be done to increase public participation in the election, should voting be compulsory?

A. I would not favour compulsion. We need to work with Education to open up the subject with young people, they have been very defensive in protecting young people from political influences. For people to be motivated to vote they have be engaged and feel involved in politics . This is where our States need to change because people do feel disconnected.

Q. Do the candidates support paying everybody a living wage?

A. We have a statutory minimum wage but it’s too low because our costs are high and we have to top up earnings with income support from taxpayers. I am in favour of the living wage proposal which has taken off in London under Mayor Boris Johnson and become very successful. We should look at adopting it on a voluntary basis

Q.What can be done to relax the planning restrictions and building bye- laws which presently prevent people from changing internal features and putting in double glazing in listed buildings?

A. The present minister has been conducting a review of listed buildings for three years now and has made very little progress (see scrutiny legacy report). We need to much more selective about listed buildings in future and use common sense in the application of regulations. There is a big conflict between the bye- laws for energy conservation in buildings and listed building restrictions and people get locked into bureaucratic and expensive processes. The system is rule bound.  This can and will be reformed if we get the right Planning Minister after the elections.

Q. What is the most difficult question the candidates have had to answer throughout the hustings?

A. A question on Gigabyte Jersey and the difference between upload and download speeds of the fast internet service of JT through fibre. The questioner asked what was the effect on the applications and businesses of this differential. Fast internet services are hugely important to the development of our IT digital sector, but I did not understand the technical aspect. I have since researched this and spoken to technical experts and could speak on this if I had time.

There is an issue, I am told the fibre technology can handle equivalent data speeds in both directions, but for business reasons JT have configured their services to limit upload speeds. This has been done because the previous ADSL service which fibre replaced was based on differential speeds and we have got used to this and the market is now mainly for download services. However fast upload services will be required for Cloud services and other applications in future. This can be provided by JT but JT prices these as premium services for businesses reasons, which will inhibit the development of local businesses using fast upload to remote locations.

 Q. Constables Question; Will the candidates in one sentence say why the residents of St Helier should vote for you?

A. I was brought up in an urban area, I owe the island everything I have after 35 years in Jersey and want to give back what it has given me; what you see is what you get with me ; open, transparent , honest , hard working and no spin .

I am Deputy of St Brelade, I chair the Environment Scrutiny panel and have completed over fifty public hearings and reviews, including energy policy and Green St police HQ

 As a backbencher, I gained States agreement to many private propositions

• changes to the island plan and amendments to planning law
• and many others.

 Under current policies, St Helier is expected to absorb our future population growth. To accommodate this growth we must improve the town environment to make it an attractive place where people want to live. We must not create dense urban ghettos which will lead to future social problems.

 We need to ensure that public spaces are enhanced and that new town developments provide more open space. We need to manage the impact of traffic on residential areas and provide parking for residents and visitors recognising the town centre has to work for shoppers and workers.

 The Regeneration steering group of ministers was set up three years ago but hasn’t produced the required long term urban regeneration plan. Now we hear of one minister’s own 150 day plan for St Helier. But to succeed in planning for long term future of our town and for Jersey, requires much more. It requires long term vision most importantly with a commitment to working with the community and others.

 Unfortunately in recent years our government’s record has been one of piecemeal planning decisions by ministers.

 The town park was completed but without underground parking disregarding the north of town master plan, foregoing the forecast economic benefit on the surrounding area and losing opportunities.

 We need land in town for vital public uses such as the police HQ, housing and our new hospital but our government has become a developer of public land for offices when there is limited demand. I want the esplanade site re-evaluated for the hospital

 We need a new police HQ, but residents around Green St will have to live with it in this highly unsuitable location which will prejudice residents of that area and affect traffic and parking.

 After 14 years, we have a 187 home development at Girls College which we are told by ministers won’t have any traffic impact and a major urban development of 297 homes on the gas works recommended by the planners with very limited open space.

 A big change is needed in our government. I want all our ministers to become more open to listening to the views of the public and States members who represent them and rebuild lost trust and restore public confidence.

 In this election, you have a choice of voting for change or for more of the same from the existing ministers

 I have the capability and experience to deliver the changes required.

 I humbly ask for your vote as Senator.

 Thank you very much

Q. Do candidates support the principle of a new secondary school for Les Quennevais?

 A. I am 100% in favour of a new school. We have neglected the severe overcrowding in this excellent school for far too long.  I am very disappointed that the ministers have achieved so little progress in three years.  I attended the planning inquiry when it was identified that the ministers had decided on a preferred site without any consultation with the public. This cannot be acceptable and we must put this right. We must look at alternative sites before deciding that this open land must be taken for the school. I am not only concerned about the loss of agricultural land but have concerns over infilling this important open space in this built up area. I am against any intrusion into the playing fields. The existing school buildings, when released, will provide the opportunity of either a health centre, community centre or skills centre for 14 plus. We have to decide whether our Jersey curriculum is to include a vocational element as well as functional skills at post 14  and factor this into the design of the new school.

 Q. What will the candidates do to support local companies?

 A. We must remove the red tape and bureaucracy which government imposes on businesses, and in particular we have to remove the data protection restriction which prevents joined up government and the sharing of information between departments. Under zero ten taxes we can’t give tax incentives to start up businesses, we have to look at concessions for employers from social security contributions. Government building contracts need to be managed so that those local businesses as far as possible are awarded the contracts so we get the full economic benefit.

 Q.What are the candidate’s views on the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes?

 A. I rely on the medical advice; there will be circumstances with individual people where the relief of their symptoms has greater benefit than the harm caused. This requires an individual clinical judgment to be made by a medically qualified doctor.  So there will be limited circumstances where the use should be permitted.

 Q. Do you see the need the need to control population and how will you go about it?

 A. We cannot set a cap on our population, if were to do so under the EU/UK protocol for Jersey we would prevent our people from living and working in the UK and Europe. We have to manage our population growth by ensuring the permits issued to employers restrict recruiting off-island to people with skills which the island can’t meet, under the new housing and work law. In the longer term, we need to do much more to train local people in the skills required to meet business needs. We have to transform our urban areas into places where people want to live; as this is the only way we can absorb the population growth while conserving the islands countryside.

 Q.We have too many eggs in the finance industry basket, what alternative economic activities would the candidates propose if the industry collapsed?

 A. We must make every effort to prevent the finance industry collapsing. The industry is already diversifying itself and we should support this process. It is essential. We must act to encourage the digital sector to grow with new applications and we should ensure that the fast internet service is able to meet the new business opportunities. In particular we must ensure the problem of differential upload / download speed of the JT standard charge fast internet service (raised at previous hustings) is resolved or the cost may limit the growth of new businesses applications. Renewable energy, both for utility scale and the supply and installation of micro renewable technology has a big potential for economic growth, to encourage this, we need an energy market with incentives. This requires energy regulation and working closely with the JEC and commercial partners

 Q.Does the ministerial attempt to delay the island signing the International FATCA agreement on tax information sharing mean that the efforts to improve the transparency and openness of our finance industry are unimportant?

 A. Absolutely not. The Island has already passed legislation and entered into international tax information exchange agreements which puts us ahead of others and has made our laws more complaint with the international standards of financial services set by the OECD etc, than other jurisdictions.  Any doubt about this can be checked against international compliance websites which identifies the many jurisdictions which do not comply, jurisdictions which are our competitors. Jersey being so close to the UK has no choice but to be compliant, if we declined we would isolate ourselves internationally to our detriment

John was in King St on Saturday morning and spoke to as many people as possible about the election issues.

There was a real election atmosphere. In my many conversations with people over six hours, the majority said they either intended to vote or had already voted . The top issues were health, education, jobs, tax, population and the insular way the government works in not listening to them.  Many wanted to see a real change and  new Senator’s elected.  

I  plan  to be in King St as time and weather allows , this afternoon and tomorrow and hope to speak to more people.

MY REPLY TO THE EMAIL SENT TO ALL SENATORIAL CANDIDATES ON STUDENT LOANS FOLLOWING THE ST PETER HUSTINGS

 Thank you for sending me your thoughts on University grants after the hustings at St Peter

I felt that the problem you presented is a huge one. Even when my two went to University, about ten years ago, I reckon it cost me about £X each annually for over about five years. I had to borrow but I had a good job and was able to repay the loan. In the present economy, we know that many parents simply cannot afford to pay out these massive sums to fund university for their children. But we all want the best opportunities for them.

The States system of means tested grants is also unsustainable and we have to be sure that public spending gives best benefit for the island and not produce graduates in subjects where there are no employment prospects. The universities are hugely inefficient; they could reduce their three year degrees in some subjects to one intense year and reduce cost. I am really concerned that they have not responded to need to reduce cost.

We should also build a partnership with a UK University who will cooperate to provide degree courses here, and reduce costs

In the meantime I accept your point, you want action and not a review which will take time and will be too late to help those parents and young people in middle jersey who face the tough decisions to assist their son or daughter or not .

I think you have a point, I am uncomfortable with saddling youngsters with big loans round their neck before they even enter work, but I accept a States run loan scheme would be better than parents taking out loans with finance houses on expensive terms and with no flexibility on repayment and their getting into difficulty.

So I hindsight, I think you are right, as an interim measure we should make the loan arrangements you suggest if we can come up with a workable scheme, but it cant be with the intention of writing off the majority of loans as the UK . The rules on repayment will need careful thought out. But we also have to have the review, as government has to be more confident than we are now, that we get the best benefit from public money whilst enabling our youngsters to take up opportunities to which will set their working lives. 

John Young 9 October 2014

THE EMAIL RECEIVED FROM A QUESTIONER AT ST PETER HUSTINGS ABOUT STUDENT LOANS – Sent to all Senatorial Candidates 6 Oct 2014 and approved for publication by the questioner .

 I asked a question at the St Peter Senatorial Hustings regarding proposals for student loans, a question I have asked at previous elections.

 Senator Ozouf asked me at the end of the evening what I would consider as a solution and I promised to email him and this is my response to his request.

Quite simply Jersey needs an affordable student loan scheme. This will take the financial pressure off parents created by the introduction of tuition fees in the UK in 2016 and put the onus on the student. It is not compulsory to take advantage of this, but it at least offers a solution to these families whose only solution would be to borrow more money and get into further debt at a stage in their lives when they should be saving to avoid becoming a burden on the state in their old age.

Jersey is reputably one of the leading finance centres of the world. How can this be the case if Jersey is incapable of establishing an affordable student loan scheme that provides Jersey students with an opportunity to study away from the Island. Most developed countries offer loan schemes for their students, so why is Jersey incapable of doing so?

One candidate emphasised that he did not want to see students getting into debt. Is their parents getting into debt at the end of their careers more palatable?

I am urging all of you candidates to prove to the Island that you are capable of solving this, it should not be difficult. Please do not go down the ‘full review’ route yet again. 

So, Senator Ozouf and our other candidates, please demonstrate that you are worthy of becoming a States Member, and solve this problem not by another review, but by liaising with the finance houses who are fortunate enough to operate here. and by providing the guarantees required to set a simple loan scheme up.

I look forward to hearing about your proposals.

A questioner at St Peter hustings  (who has agreed to publication)

 Q. What one thing would the candidates do to change the tax system to make it fairer for islanders and reduce states spending?

 A. Public sector reform is urgent. We must reduce corporate overheads including communication departments etc. Having worked in both sectors one doesn’t find the multiple layers of management which exist in the public sector in private businesses. This has to be reduced by restructuring .We must protect front line services. On tax I want to review the zero ten tax system whereby companies operating locally but owned off island pay no tax but extract economic value. They may even be  paying low wages to people supported by income support. I want a review of the marginal tax /standard rate tax system to make the entitlement to personal tax allowances fairer. I have brought amendments to the budget for tax incentives. Independent taxation is a must

 Q. There was no mention of green issues in candidate’s speeches .How can we prevent Jersey becoming overcrowded and degenerating into economic decline?

 A. My priority is our environment. We have to manage population by setting limits on licences issued to employers to bring in skilled people, but until we develop local training it will be necessary to give these approvals. The Island plan has to be rigorously enforced . We must protect the coastal national park, conserve our biodiversity , take opportunities for wind and tidal power which have huge potential to make us self sustaining in energy, produce more sustainable food , improve traffic management and have a programme of urban renewal.

 Q. Could we have 12 senators not 8?

 A. I wasn’t in the States when the decision was made to remove four. It was a retrograde move. We have 10 ministers and it is important for ministers whose decisions affect the whole island to have an al island mandate. That is why I have stepped aside as an elected Deputy and am seeking election as Senator. If elected I will be seeking election as Planning Minister.

 Q. If you are elected what would your top priority be for the next four years, remembering the quote “it’s the economy stupid”?

 A. For me personally, notwithstanding the quote, it’s the long term protection of Jersey’s special environment, to quote the Planning law “to ensure land is used in the best interests of the community and our coasts are kept in their natural state.” This means enforce the Island Plan rigourously. We need to sort out the planning system to give greater consistency in decisions and restore confidence of property owners and businesses in the system so they can rely on it and make property investment decisions with less risk. A focus on urban renewal is required to make our built up areas good places to live. Only in this way can we meet the growth in population without spoiling our countryside.

 Q. In the light of the plan to corporatize of harbours and airport would the candidates consider scrapping harbour dues and airport landing charges to bring in tourists and stimulate the economy?

 A. I am not generally in favour of corporatization. This involves setting up expensive boards and we have used it as an excuse to restructure States departments and reform the business activity which we could and should have been able to do ourselves as a States entity. The new companies have a very narrow policy focus, i.e. they focus on the profits of the business and give no weight in their decision making to wider strategic policies and other public objectives. This is especially true of land use decisions. On the charges we have to look at the evidence whether there is case for reduction in dues to increase volume.

 Q. Should the constables have an automatic seat in the States? A yes/ no answer is required.

 A. No. The Constable’s job is an entirely different; their priority is to run the parish. Their States work is subordinate. If they choose a wider role and have the time to discharge both these two roles effectively, then constables should also have the chance to seek election to the States .There is a job to do in reviewing legislation in which the Constables role could be extended in some way.

 Q. What are the candidate’s views on the Bailiff continuing to chair the States assembly?

 A. I have found the Bailiff to be scrupulously fair, objective, and non political and helpful to all members. The Bailiffs legal knowledge is important to apply States procedural rules as debates often become very complex. Sir Michael Birt has been an outstanding example to further Bailiffs. So, I am in favour of the Bailiff remaining as chair of the assembly. Time prevented me adding to my answer the external pressures to change may force this issue to be put back on the agenda but as far as I am concerned I see no problem with the current arrangement and this should remain as is for the foreseeable future.

Q. How much do the States spend every day, will each candidate put a figure on it with Senator Ozouf being last to answer?

 A. Our States net revenue expenditure is around £720 Million p.a which is equal to approx £2 Million per day. I once attended a presentation on the UK’s public spend when an analogy was drawn with money flowing out of a pipe . The government’s task being to put a tap on the pipe to control it. That’s what we need to do here. If I had time I would have added, this figure excludes payments from the social security fund, pensions etc which are about another £160 Million pa and capital spending. Around 80% of the revenue spends goes on health education and social security.

 Q. If elected will you ensure that if the proposed property tax is introduced that all the money raised will be available to the parish?

 A. The Treasury Minister’s property tax proposals would replace the parish rate which is set by a parish assembly and spent on the parish services (apart from the additional all island rate to defray a share of social security costs). He proposes a new centrally controlled system where the property tax rate will be set by the Treasury Minister and is imposed on the occupiers and owners of property, enabling extra income to be raised. I would not support this proposal. Neither would I support the proposal for this tax to be based on capital values, nor applying it to unrealised increases in property values , nor to capital gains tax on property disposal . The only positive element in the proposal is to impose a windfall tax on land rezoned for housing development

 Q. Will candidates say whether they will accept the result of the referendum on the constables automatic right to sit in the States?

 A. It is not the right question on States reform, but the question is a big step forward as the last referendum questions were subject to much argument about their meaning. This time we have a proper referendum question, a clear Yes / No choice which I argued for. I will accept the result what ever way it goes.

 Q. Can’t Jersey access EU money for investments in the development of the blue economy?

 A. The potential for utility scale renewable energy from our offshore waters is enormous. Offshore wind power technology can already deliver 14 times our needs as will tidal power when the technology is mature in around 10 years time . We need to work in partnership with JEC, businesses and France, who can access EU money for these projects. The French will do it anyway and we must take the opportunity to join them. We can’t ourselves access EU grants, so even the National Lottery which would provide funding for arts sports and heritage projects. is not available to us.

 Q. Do the candidates consider our investing in big building projects is wise in view of our limited construction workforce and capability?

 A. The Construction Council event highlighted the skills shortage in Jersey; we have lost 500 tradesmen in the recession and there are only a small number of apprentices in training. We will have to import skilled labour so there is a big risk of leakage from our economy, as the Fiscal Policy Panel identified. The States will need to manage the flow of work to iron out peaks and troughs. Of the big projects, housing is essential to bring our estate to a good standard and to build new homes. The new hospital is also essential but I want a single site and alternative funding options considered. The sewage treatment works project costing £200 M can be phased and slowed to match the availability of workers, but specialists will be required. In the long run we have to do more to train our young people.

 Q. Where do candidates place themselves on the political spectrum?

 A. I do not favour political labels; they have limited benefit. One only has to look at the UK party political scene. I make an independent judgment on the merits of each issue. I am an environmentalist with social awareness, and would not categorize myself as green. Often I find myself supporting both sides of politics at different times. I am in the centre, and a consensus builder.  

Q. What are the candidate’s views on Genetically Modified Organisms?

A. I was originally opposed on principle, but after attending last years farming conference and hearing of the impressive benefits in crops, I have become more in favour of it. Better crop yields, disease resistance, reduced use of agrichemicals, and world wide food shortages all seem good reasons why we should be opposed provided proper trials are carried out.

 Q. How do candidates see the future of organic farming in Jersey?

 A. I think it’s very important for reasons of better food quality, to counter the growing obesity from processed food, and to enable new small holdings with sustainable life style for those who choose to. It is hard for those who do, because of the time taken to get certified, In the UK organic produce is worth £1.8 Billion with 5100 organic farms, in Jersey the area of land is  much smaller with just over 2000 organic vergees. The States website does not include a word on support for organic farming, so I can’t see much evidence of any support. In my view this is unsatisfactory and must be rectified.

 Q. If the UK relationship with the EU changes what effects will this have on Jersey, what do candidates think we should be doing by way of contingency planning.

 A. It will effect our whole economy. We have to be researching the present movements of trade and services, the  benefits and the likely effects of a change. I am pleased to hear this is already being done by our expert advisers. I am particulary concerned about financial services where we have to be able to continue to operate world wide without barriers. For agriculture, our products are high quality and I would not expect any barriers affecting our trade with the world to be put in place. We have been required to absorb excessive EU regulation which may be an opportunity to free us of some of this.

 Q.Are the grants regimes for organic farming in Jersey equivalent to the EU?

 A. I searched from Economic Development Minister’s website, and identified that £863K is paid in area payments, £711K dairy quality grants, and £ 320K in Rural Initiative grants showing the present balance of grants. I read the published rules for Rural Initiative grants and for area payments and could find no reference to organic farm grants in either. I don’t know what the Jersey area rate is but I think area payments in the UK may be around £100 per acre. What ever rate it is, there is a case for a higher rate to be paid to organic farms in Jersey.

 Q. What will be the balance between organic and conventional farming under the cross compliance rules set by the EU and States Environment Department under the Rural Development Strategy?

 A. I don’t know these rules, but saw the list of 41 pieces of EU legislation which has been enacted in Jersey and farmers are required to comply with. I also read the codes of practice and guidance set by the department and I found these highly complex and not easy to interpret. This seems a huge overload of costly regulation. I hope it is being implemented sensibly. I can’t see why the balance should change, 2000 vergees of organics is a small area compared with area under conventional farming.

 Q. Are candidates in favour of restoring a scheme of agricultural loans to enable young people to take up farming?

 A. I strongly support restoring this scheme. We should encourage young people and people wishing to take up farm holdings, including small holdings, to go into farming as a way of life from other careers. We must adapt and diversify our economy. The loans should be subject to proper business plans and be assessed by agricultural advisers. 100% yes.  

 I am Deputy of St Brelade No 1, elected following careers in the private and public sectors including former chief officer of Planning.

I am chairman of the Environment Scrutiny panel and have completed many public hearings and reviews on such matters as energy policy

 As a backbench member, I have gained States agreement to my propositions

• changes to the island plan,
• amendments to planning law
• reduced stamp duty for first time buyers
• and many others.

The agricultural industry is custodian of 54 % of our land area. Without your stewardship of the countryside our rich biodiversity, our varied landscape and hedgerows, our heritage of agricultural buildings and culture would not be conserved for the future. Our ground water would be at risk from pollution and pests and diseases would be prevalent.

 All this is achieved whilst producing food to sustain us locally value £20 M and generating earnings of £57M.

 1.5 % of our GVA from Agriculture understates the industry’s real value. Our tourists highly value our countryside but we often take it for granted. The States need to give proper recognition and support.

 Our Industry is competing with other EU countries with agricultural subsidy regimes, yet since the Agriculture department disappeared in 2004, despite the fine words of ministers , support to the industry has been reduced each year from £5.4 Million ten years ago to £1.7 Million in 2014. Commercial fishing and aquaculture receive no direct support

We must encourage new enterprises and innovation e.g new working practices discussed at last years farming conference which i was privileged to attend and consider investment in infrastructure such as solar power equipment or by producing biogas from agricultural waste which experts say has the potential to save the island £3M annually

Little is now invested by government in industry research and development. Reports of withdrawal of funding from organic growers are concerning when we need greater self sufficiency in food. 

We have island plan policies to safeguard agricultural land, encourage diversification of agriculture, and for enabling development. But are these policies applied in practice? At last years farming conference speakers spoke of the frustration of hurdles in the planning system. Improvements are urgently needed

 As a government we cannot continue to spend more than we receive. We need our ministers to progress public sector reform and review spending priorities, to release savings whilst protecting front line services, which for me includes support for the agricultural sector and the environment.

 We need our new ministers to deliver joined up government and build consensus on its policies

 Above all we need to restore public confidence in our government.

 In this election, you have a choice of for more of the same from the existing ministers or voting for change

 I have the experience capability and to deliver this change which a great many people have told me they want to see.

 I humbly ask for your vote as Senator.

 Thank you very much

 Q. Do you support the tourism industry, if so how do you show that support?

 A. I am very keen on event-led tourism for arts, sports, heritage, environment, culture which provide a reason for people to visit Jersey. Look at the success of Branchage festival and Jersey live. When the harbour gallery in St Aubins was threatened with closure I worked to enable this facility to remain open. I was chairman of the Jersey Arts Centre and responsible for many events and festivals. States support is needed

 Q.What is your opinion of the importance of the financial services industry and what will you do to sustain and develop the industry?  

A. I have worked in the industry; it is hugely important and generates £1.5 Billion annually, 42% of GVA. The industry has had to diversify following changes in public attitudes following the crash, and comply with new regulatory legislation introduced from international pressure and tax information agreements. Parts of the industry is doing well i.e Trust Companies; Banks less so  while we have with half percent interest rates. Back office jobs have gone due to high costs. Worrying signs are the 3 % fall in last years earnings and the new league table which puts Jersey lower down the table. I am going to find out why and what needs to be done. The industry must be allowed to bring in expertise which we don’t have locally

Q. What can be done to stop companies employing people who come off the boat instead of local people?

 A. We have to enhance social security work schemes and develop education to provide local skills. I brought an amendment to the budget to get funding for a work scheme for back to work people to maintain coastal paths which has been running for two years and very successful.

 Q. After the news that 70% of students in the UK have their loans cancelled, is the system of university top up fees fair and what are local implications?

 A. The system is not fair , in Scotland there are no fees , in England student loans , in Jersey means tested grants for tuition fees and maintenance. The high cost is not sustainable. Universities have to become more efficient and reduce costs or it is inevitable that some talented young people will not be able to access universities. We should develop an arrangement with a UK university to provide access to degree courses in Jersey to reduce the costs.

 Q. Are you going to put a cap on immigration and control immigration into the Island?

 A. We can’t put a cap on immigration without reaching agreement via the UK with the EU on free access of people. If we were to do so it would prevent local people from living and working in the UK and the EU. This may change if the UK leaves the EU .We can manage and influence the level of immigration to hold to the target of 325 people per year and use employers permits to set limits. In the long run we have to improve local skills through education.

 Q. Are any candidates in the no camp for the automatic seat in the States for Constables?

 A. The public will decide by referendum . I don’t wear a yes or no badge and have not been active in campaigns. Personally I am a no. I consider the constable to be an essential but different job and prefer separate elections for constables and once elected, constables should have the option or not of standing for election to the States. I will accept the referendum result what ever way it goes