Q. What are the candidate’s views on GST on food, what will they do to make life more affordable for people working and not on benefits and paying tax, i.e. middle Jersey
A. I am unhappy with GST on food and essentials because it is borne by those least able to pay. We compensate those on Income support. There is a food bonus available to those who get no benefit but pay no tax, which is little known. If we can’t find a workable way of exempting food from GST, we should look at introducing a tax credit to marginal tax payers. To meet the cost we should ensure the tax rates apply to all, the 1% agreements for wealthy immigrants should be ended. New wealthy immigrants should pay the 20%.
Q. Are the candidates in favour of the two site hospital?
A. I favour a single site. The two site proposal will result in clinicians and patients living on a building site for 10 years which will be intolerable. Many doctors have criticized the two sites as inefficient and costly in clinical time. Converting an existing building is more expensive than building new which gives better value. We can have a new hospital of which we can really proud. There is a site available for the hospital – the waterfront. I want that option looked at. When completed we can sell or release the existing hospital site for another use e.g. housing.
Q. Are candidates in favour of the use of medicinal cannabis?
A. Of course people suffering from medically diagnosed conditions should have access to medication which relieves their symptoms. I don’t understand why there is a problem, The Minister has the legal power and doctors have the means to prescribe for patients. Why aren’t they doing so.?
Q. Do the candidates consider the present service for urgent mental health referrals adequate, if not what should be done?
Q.What should be done to improve the mental health service for young people through CAMHS to prevent tragedies affecting our young people?
A. Our Mental Health service has been badly neglected and inadequate resources allocated. As society needs increase through pressure of works, finances, relationship breakdown, so will the risks of mental illness? We must put mental health a priority with children at the top of the list. We should consider putting Social Services in a seperate department with ring fence funding to ensure they take priority for resources We must support and resource GP’s to provide a service and the increase the resources of the youth service. More should be done to spot problems in the schools
Q Are the candidates in favour of same sex marriage?
A. I want to see civil partnerships available to both same sex and different sex couples, so both groups have the choice of either a civil partnership or a civil marriage. I don’t want to make changes which impose same sex marriage on the faith groups, unless they choose. I will support the result of the public consultation.
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