16 June 2008
The increase in States spending in 2007 was the lowest for more than 20 years, according to the States Report and Accounts, published today.
The annual Report and Accounts sets out capital and day-to-day spending for 2007. The Performance Report also shows the progress Jersey has made towards achieving the six commitments in the Strategic Plan, and reviews public sector performance.
States spending last year rose by 3.3%, less than the rate of inflation, and was the smallest annual increase for more than 20 years. Total day to day running of Jersey’s public services cost £480 million and £42 million was allocated to capital projects. The biggest portions of day-to-day spending went on Health and Social Services, Social Security, and Education, Sport and Culture.
Income for the year at £559 million was in line with the latest forecasts. This anticipated rise which had been announced earlier in the year included predicted increases in personal income tax and stamp duty. The predicted surplus enables £38 million to be deposited in Jersey’s Stabilisation Fund* to buffer the Island from any downturn in the economic cycle.
Alongside the day to day costs of running Jersey’s public services, the States allocated £42 million to capital projects. Projects included redevelopment of Le Squez housing estate, the airport runway, Grainville and Mont-à-l'Abbé schools, reconstruction of a prison cell block, refurbishment of the States building and the General Hospital Day Surgery Unit.
Over the next two years, States accounts will become compliant with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The 2007 accounts already contain a significant amount of detail, broadly similar to the published accounts of public companies.
Commenting on the accounts, Treasury and Resources Minister, Senator Terry Le Sueur said: ‘Jersey was in the fortunate position of having a year end budget surplus of £37 million. This has to be set in context though. Going forward the financial picture will be somewhat different. Corporate tax receipts fall from 2009 onwards following the introduction of 0/10. This shortfall will be made up partly by GST receipts but also by efficiency savings within the States. That is what makes the monitoring of States performance so necessary, and why there is a link between the performance indicators and the annual financial statements.
These accounts demonstrate that our tax strategy is working. The phasing in of new taxes, such as GST, means that even after the loss of up to £100m, as a result of 0/10%, States finances will be in balance, and it should be possible to retain the 3% rate of GST indefinitely .’
In conjunction with the publication of the Annual Report and Accounts, the Council of Ministers is also, for the first time, publishing a performance report. It tracks and measures achievement against more than 100 indicators based on those agreed by the States in the Strategic Plan debate. A broad sweep of progress is shown by 23 ‘headline indicators’ (summary attached in this release) on health, education, the economy, public safety, housing, eradicating poverty, environment, the international arena and government. The overall performance of each department across the public sector is also assessed.
Commenting on the performance report, Chief Minister, Senator Frank Walker said: ‘In the Strategic Plan, we said that Jersey was a special place to live and work, but that there were issues that had to be addressed and challenges to prepare for. The Annual Performance Report provides a comprehensive analysis that is, in effect, a state of the nation report. It’s the first time we’ve published it in this format – we expect it to evolve over time, but it’s a clear and honest picture of our progress towards the commitments we made in the Strategic Plan.
‘It shows that Jersey continued to enjoy significant and sustained economic growth last year, partnered by low unemployment and a slower growth in inflation. The Council of Ministers also welcomes a further fall in recorded crime levels for the third year in a row, the continued rise in exam pass rates and a growing average life expectancy – higher than the national average.’
However, he added: ‘Whilst we have made significant progress in the areas that we said needed to be addressed, it is clear that there is still much work to be done. It would be naïve to believe that we could have addressed all of the issues in the two years since the Strategic Plan was agreed. The Council would like to see progress on enabling people to buy their own homes. 3,380 homes for qualified people were built in the five years between 2002 and 2006, and we have put forward plans to help people buy their States home and to share the cost of buying a private sector property, but it’s clear that until these measures become effective, it remains hard for people to get on the housing ladder. Other ‘could do better’ areas are improving access to GPs and dentists for people on low incomes and air and bathing water quality.
The full reports can be found on the Jersey government website at www.gov.je
Highlights
- Total day-to-day running of Jersey’s public services cost £480 million
- £42 million was allocated to capital projects last year
- The biggest portions of day-to-day spending went on Health and Social Services, Social Security, and Education, Sport and Culture
- General revenue income for 2007 was £559 million – up £33 million on 2006
- Income was from Income Tax (66%), fees and charges (15%) and Impôts (8%)
- The previously reported budget surplus enables £38 million to be put into the Stabilisation Fund, this will increase the value of the fund to £72 million.
- £10 million was transferred to the States Strategic Reserve** bringing the total to £510 million, a 6.9% increase on the previous year.
- Jersey’s GVA*** was £3,420 million in 2006*, a rise of 6.6%.
- Inflation was within 0.5 percentage points of the 2.5% target in 10 out of 12 months of 2007.
- Unemployment fell by 3%. 320 people were registered out of work in December 2007 – the lowest figure for four and a half years.
- Crime fell by 7% last year – the third successive year it has declined.
- At the end of 2007 Jersey’s resident population was estimated as 90,800 – an increase of about 1,400.
- 3,380 homes for qualified people were built in the five years between 2002 and 2006 – above the Island Plan target of 2,860.
- House prices rose steadily and faster than average earnings, making it more difficult for some people to buy their own homes.
- Every beach passed the EU’s high standard, but only seven out of sixteen beaches tested passed a more stringent World Health organisation standard (the likely cause was high rainfall causing run-off).
- Islanders recycled and composted 2.6% more waste in 2007, taking the total to just over 30% - above target and similar to the UK rate.
- Jersey residents generated a further 5% of waste requiring disposal in 2007, taking the total to 107,000 tonnes.
- MORI polls in 2006 showed that only 32% of the population considered themselves ‘fairly satisfied’ with the government of Jersey, compared to 34% in 2000.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
In all cases the most recent information at the time of production has been used. In some cases, this will be data for 2006 if the 2007 information isn’t available. In the case of surveys, it will be the most recent survey undertaken.
*The Stabilisation Fund is a fund set up to smooth out swings in the economic cycle. Money is paid into the fund when the economy is strong and may be withdrawn when it’s weaker.
**The Strategic Reserve is a long term savings fund set up to safeguard Jersey against a major economic downturn.
*** GVA ‘Gross Value Added’ – a measure of economic activity used to assess economic growth
Annual percentage increases in States revenue expenditure:
Year Increase %
2007 3.3
2006 5.4
2005 5.8
2004 5.0
2003 5.3
2002 5.9
2001 9.9
2000 10.2
1999 5.8
1998 9.0
1997 7.6
1996 4.4
1995 5.6
1994 4.9
1993 7.9
1992 10.5
1991 14.7
1990 14.5
1989 10.1
1988 12.3
For more information or interviews, contact: Treasury and Resources Minister, Senator Terry Le Sueur on 440215.
See below for the headline indicators
Headline Indicators
Economy
1.2a Economic Growth (Gross Value Added) (2006 data)
1.3a Inflation (RPIX)
1.4a Overall employment
1.7c Tax as a percentage of GDP compared to other jurisdictions
(2006 data)
Health
2.2a Public access to healthcare
2.2b Life expectancy at birth
Education
2.7a Examination Results – GCSE/A-level
2.7b Higher education/university participation rates and results
Public Safety
3.2a Levels of Recorded Crime
Eradicating Poverty
3.6a Proportion of working age residents needing income support
and overall benefits paid in real terms n/a
1.7d Average Earnings Index
Housing
3.8b House Price Index/Earnings ratio
3.8c Home ownership vs Rental
4.7b Supply of Homes
Environment
2.11a Changes in the overall population and inward migration
4.4b Air Quality
4.4c Bathing Water Quality
4.5a Land coverage/change in habitat/land use (2006 data)
1.1e Waste produced including recycling rates
International
5.2b Constitutional position
5.2a Overseas Aid as a proportion of GNI
Government
5.1a Public satisfaction with government (2006 data)
5.1c Electoral Turnout (in an election year) n/a
6.1b States Budget (deficit)/surplus in the year/Comparable cost of
government
ECONOMY
1.2a Economic Growth (Gross Value Added)
Why it is important:
Economic growth is a sign of a strengthening economy and generally represents an increase in living standards. Real GVA, which strips out the effects of inflation, is the best measure of economic activity that has taken place in Jersey over a year. An increase in real GVA over time represents real economic growth.
What was achieved:
In 2006 Jersey’s GVA increased by 6.6% in real terms to just under £3,420 million - its second real term increase for five years. Overall growth was mostly a result of the finance sector performing strongly, though some of the non-finance sectors, including construction, transport & communications and hotels, restaurants and bars improved their performance as well. Data for 2007 will be available in September.
Performance:
% change in real GVA
Source: Jersey Gross Value Added (GVA); States of Jersey Statistics Unit. 2007 data not available until October 2007
1.4a Overall employment
Why it is important:
Employed people contribute to the economy and generate economic growth through the work they do. Unemployed people are part of the workforce too but not only do they not contribute as much to economic growth while they are out of work, they may also need to rely on public benefits such as income support.
What was achieved:
Overall employment rose by 3% in 2007, with two thirds of the growth coming from locally qualified persons. Registered unemployment was 320 in December 2007, 100 lower than a year previous, and the lowest unemployment figure for four and half years.
Performance:
Source: Labour Market Report; States of Jersey Statistics Unit.
1.3a Inflation (RPIX)
Why it is important:
Low inflation, consistently around targeted levels provides a business environment that enables greater economic efficiency and international competitiveness, and as a consequence economic growth too. It also reduces the inequitable consequences for those who have saved – maybe for retirement – compared to those who spend. It is vital that inflation is kept under control in any economy and especially in Jersey where over half of the businesses export goods and services. RPI(X) is an indicator for inflation that excludes the cost of house purchases.
Low inflation compared to other economies helps to improve the international competitiveness of our businesses, especially where it filters through into lower cost increases over time.
What was achieved:
Since 2005 the economy has benefited from underlying inflation (RPIX) being close to the States target level of 2.5%, being within 0.5 percentage points of the target in 10 out of the last 12 quarters. The Council of Ministers has announced a new Anti-inflation strategy which builds on the fiscal framework that introduced the stabilisation fund and the independent Fiscal Policy Panel. It emphasises the need to better understand the economic cycle in Jersey, promote competition and improve productivity across the economy.
Before 2005, inflation in Jersey was above that of the UK and Guernsey, undermining the competitiveness of our Island businesses. Since then, inflation has
fallen in line with the UK and remained below that in the UK for a sustained period. Jersey inflation has also has been consistently below Guernsey in recent years. More recently, inflation in all three jurisdictions picked up in the last quarter of 2007 reflecting higher food and oil prices.
Performance:
Source: Jersey Retail Price Index; States of Jersey Statistics Unit
1.7c Tax as a percentage of GNI compared to other jurisdictions
Why it is important:
Low taxation improves the Island’s competitiveness, encourages businesses to locate here and assists in promoting economic growth and prosperity. It also means that individuals have more disposable income.
What was achieved:
The most recent information available shows that taxation in Jersey as a percentage of GNI between 2004 and 2006 decreased marginally each year from 19.1% to 18.7%. The latest comparable OECD nation data is provisional at the moment, but shows in 2006 that Jersey has one of the lowest rates of taxation as a percentage of GNI compared to other jurisdictions in the EU and OECD.
The second chart shows that GNI per capita in Jersey in 2006 is slightly higher than that of Luxembourg and Guernsey and significantly higher than that of the UK as a whole and the Isle of Man.
Performance:
Source: Statistics Unit
HEALTH
2.2a Public access to healthcare
Why it is important:
In order to maintain a good standard of health for local residents, it is important that health care is affordable and that individuals are able to obtain appropriate advice. As primary healthcare in Jersey is provided by private businesses, the cost of access needs to be carefully monitored.
What was achieved:
The 2005 JASS survey provides a baseline against which we can judge future initiatives. The medical benefit currently provided by Social Security provides a subsidy for GP visits and it can be seen that this is the area overall where cost does not prevent access for the majority of local residents. Social Security also provides schemes to assist with dental costs for 11 - 21 year olds and dental, optical and chiropody costs for over-65s.
In April 2006 the GPCOOP was set up in order to provide primary health care services out of hours. Public contact with the GPCOOP is by appointment, home visit or telephone. In 2007 there was a steady increase in numbers of contacts in all services.
Performance:
Source: Report of the 2005 Jersey Annual Social Survey, States of Jersey Statistics Unit.
Source: Health & Social Services
2.2b Life expectancy at birth
Why it is important:
A fundamental indirect measure of health in a particular country is life expectancy.
Though healthcare systems have an influence on life expectancy - as equally important if not more so are a wide range of other factors such as personal income, lifestyle, education, nutritional standards, and housing quality. One way of measuring life expectancy is the number of years that individuals born 'now' can on average expect to live if current patterns of mortality and disability continue to apply. Our target is to increase life expectancy for men to 78.6 years and for women to 82.5 years by 2010.
What was achieved:
In 2007, life expectancy at birth in Jersey had increased for men to 77.9 years and is approaching the 2010 target.
The target for women was achieved in 2006 and is currently 83.2 years. The current England rate for men is 77.2 years and for women 81.5 years.
Performance:
Source: Health & Social Services and Report of the 2005 Jersey Annual Social Survey, States of Jersey Statistics Unit.
EDUCATION
2.7a Examination Results – GCSE/A-level updated text required
Why it is important:
Public examinations are a means of measuring the progress of the individual and of the Education Service as a whole. Progression to Further Education, Higher Education and, ultimately, career choices depend upon these results. To some extent, the economic stability of the Island depends upon a well qualified local workforce.
What was achieved:
Results across the range of indicators continue to improve year on year and demonstrate high performance when compared with our benchmark authorities in the UK.
In 2007 GCSE passes at grades (5+)A*-C were 68.2% compared to the UK average of 61.5%. Similarly, A-level passes at grades A-C were 85.3% compared with the UK average of 72.5%.
Performance: Graph Updated
Source: Education Department Annual Report; Jersey in Figures; States of Jersey Statistics Unit.
2.7b Higher education/university participation rates and results
Why it is important:
Only 11% of the working population are graduates compared with an average of 16% in the UK. To some extent, the economic stability of the Island depends upon a well qualified local workforce
What was achieved:
Our high participation rate has been maintained. 46% of Jersey school leavers entered university in 2007 compared with 32% in the UK and 23% in Guernsey
Performance:
Source: Education Department Annual Report; Jersey in Figures; States of Jersey Statistics Unit.
PUBLIC SAFETY
3.2a Levels of Recorded Crime
Why it is important:
The level of recorded crime per 1,000 population is recognised as a standard measure of overall community safety.
What was achieved:
In 2007, 4,658 recorded crimes were committed in Jersey. This represented a fall in recorded crime of 13.7% compared to the three-year average for 2004 to 2006 and 7.2% compared to 2006. This corresponds to a crime rate of 52 crimes per 1,000 population compared to a national average for England and Wales of 101 for 2006/07.
This is the third consecutive year that overall recorded crime in Jersey has fallen and decreasing crime rates are being sustained despite a growing population.
Just over 16% of all crimes recorded in Jersey in 2007 were burglaries, vehicle crimes or robberies. In England and Wales in 2006/07, these offences accounted for 27% of recorded crime.
Performance:
Source: Police Crime Recording Database
ERADICATING POVERTY
3.6a Proportion of working age residents needing income support and overall benefits paid in real terms
Why it is important:
The less well-off in our society must be cushioned against poverty brought about by low income. Income support will provide financial support when necessary as well as encouraging households to become self sufficient. Over a period of time, there should be less reliance on high levels of income support.
What was achieved:
The Income Support Scheme was implemented in January 2008. Prior to its introduction, approximately 8,000 households received income related and income barred benefits. However, these were poorly targeted and paid not only those at risk of being in poverty
Performance:
Data not available until the implementation of the Income Support Scheme.
Source: Social Security
1.7d Average Earnings Index
Why it is important:
Large increases in average earnings (relative to our competitors and inflation) over time can harm the international competitiveness of our businesses if not matched by improvements in productivity. This is because it can mean that unit labour costs rise at a faster rate than in competitor jurisdictions.
What was achieved:
The trend in average earnings growth over recent years has been more encouraging as it has slowed in line with inflation and is more comparable with the UK.
Performance:
Source: Average Earnings Index; States of Jersey Statistics Unit.
HOUSING
3.8b House Price Index/Earnings ratio
Why it is important:
The House Price Index is one of the key indicators of the demand for homes in the Island.
What was achieved:
Prices have been increasing steadily. This indicates healthy economic activity whilst suggesting that there may be a general shortage of larger family homes for purchase. The graph also shows that house prices rose faster than average earnings, suggesting that it may be more difficult for some people to own their own homes. However, it must be acknowledged that lenders have been adopting more flexible positions in respect of greater lending multiples and longer term borrowing. New initiatives such as ‘Jersey Homebuy’ a form of intermediate Housing released as a
Green Paper by the Planning and Environment and Housing Ministers’ in late 2007 are also seeking to address this affordability issue.
Performance:
Source: House Price Index, States of Jersey Statistics Unit.
3.8c Home ownership vs rental
Why it is important:
Home ownership is something which a significant number of people aspire to. There are a variety of factors that may be preventing them from realising this ambition, including lack of affordability and the lack of supply of suitable properties for sale. As a result the level of home ownership in Jersey is significantly lower than in other jurisdictions such as the UK, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
What was achieved:
Jersey has a low percentage (51%) of people owning their own homes compared to Guernsey (75%), Isle of Man (68%) and the UK (70%).
The Strategic Plan tasked the Housing Department with developing proposals to increase home ownership initially amongst States Tenants. This was achieved with approval of the Social Housing Property Plan in July 2007. This provided for the sale of some 800 homes to States Tenants over 10 years. 70 homes principally at Le Squez and Le Marais have since been sold with a further 80+ sales planned for 2008. A similar scheme ‘Jersey Homebuy’ has been proposed for the development of affordable homes for purchase on rezoned sites. This scheme which is out for consultation will likely be debated in mid 2008.
Performance:
* including Housing trust rent
** including Sheltered/disabled and Old peoples/retirement home
Source: Report of the 2006 and 2007 Jersey Annual Social Survey; States of Jersey Statistics Unit plus 2001 Census.
Source: Housing Department
4.7b Supply of homes
Why it is important:
Ensuring an adequate supply of suitable housing is fundamental to the Island’s economic and social well-being. The Island Plan is the mechanism that is used to identify and provide land for housing and opportunities for the development of homes.
What was achieved:
A review of residential land availability – Planning for Homes – is normally undertaken on an annual basis to monitor the supply of homes relative to estimated needs. However, the last published report was in November 2006, because it was intended that the next formal review of the housing situation should be undertaken as part of the Island Plan Review. The monitoring process is supplemented by regular housing needs surveys, which help estimate demand for housing. Previous housing needs surveys were undertaken in 2000 (N.B. used to inform the Island Plan), 2004 and 2007. The results of the latest survey are due to be published at the end of April 2008.
Net completion figures for homes in the ‘qualified sector’ for the 5 year period 2002-2006 totalled some 3,830 homes, which comfortably exceeded the overall Island Plan target for this period of 2,860 homes. Current evidence also suggests that the Island Plan has performed well in meeting updated housing
requirements in the ‘qualified sector’, which have
been previously rolled forward to cover the period 2005 – 2009. These estimated requirements were based on different housing qualification periods (i.e. 13 years and 10 years) and varying migration levels (e.g. nil net migration and +200 households per annum). They ranged from 1,980 to 2,100 new homes under the ‘13 year rule’ options, to between 2,255 and 2,420 new homes under a 10 year housing qualification period. The average net annual completion rates needed to meet these requirements range from 396 to 484 homes per year.
By comparison, Planning and Building Services records indicate that overall net completions in the ‘qualified sector’ for the first 3 years alone (2005 – 2007) totalled 1,820 new homes, at an average building rate of over 600 homes per year. There were also some 740 qualified sector homes under construction at the end of 2007 and numerous other outstanding commitments (e.g. planning and building consents and other earmarked housing sites that had not yet been commenced).
Notwithstanding the above, there is evidence that the dynamics of the housing market have changed in recent months as the economy has continued to strengthen and this is perhaps best reflected by the recent increases in the price of housing. This will be reflected in the results of the most recent ‘Housing Needs Survey’, undertaken in 2007, and due to be published in 2008.
ENVIRONMENT
2.11a Changes in the overall population and inward migration
Why it is important:
Jersey is a small island with finite space and resources. Any increase to the population as a result of natural growth (births over deaths) or inward migration must be carefully balanced to ensure the sustainability of the environment, economy and provision of public services.
What was achieved:
Jersey's population increased by 1,400 (1.6%) in 2007, of which 300 was due to more births than deaths taking place. A further 1,100 was due to net inward migration of which approximately half was due to jobs in the finance sector, and half to higher contributing "J" employees - in particular, vital front line public sector workers.
The underlying trend in population growth is properly viewed over the medium term and some caution should therefore be applied in looking at trends in any one year.
However, two thirds of employment growth in 2007 was due to more local people in work (see 1.4b), with new migrants filling labour and skills gaps enabling the economy to grow. Working population growth remains within States targets of up to 1% (on average) per annum (0.7% over the last 5 years). It is also important to place in context that just 7% of housing purchases come from new "J" migrants, with the remaining 93% of properties bought by locally qualified people with long periods of residence.
Performance:
Source: Population; States of Jersey Statistics Unit.
4.4b Air Quality
Why it is important:
The visible contamination of our atmosphere is obvious; smoke, dust, exhaust fume and grit can be seen or smelt. The invisible pollution affecting the atmosphere, by its very nature, is less obvious. You don’t have to be outside to be exposed to poor air quality. Most aerosols will contain chemicals, especially cleaning products; added to combustion products from gas or oil and the potential exists for a cocktail of chemicals to build up both in and outside the home. The Public Health Department are intent on measuring ambient air quality; unfortunately the work is expensive and the Department are unable to measure 6 of the 8 pollutants to the approved EU standard without added investment.
What was achieved:
Overall, Jersey's air quality is fundamentally perceived to be good. We don't produce much in the way of emissions and what we do is mainly carried away off the island by the prevailing winds. For this reason we do not routinely widely measure air quality.
However, there are a few locations where traffic congestion and canyon type streets cause local difficulties, and monitoring is undertaken where we perceive the risk to public health from poor air quality to be at its highest. From this monitoring the worst sites are as reported in the graph opposite and would merit a red indicator. The EU has generic indicators of air quality; the measurement of each has to be against an approved EU reference standard. The Health
Protection team have been screening oxides of nitrogen (NOx) since 1997; unfortunately the NO2 (uncorrected) results show the EU annual mean limit being breached at both the Weighbridge and Beaumont Street sites.
The replacement of the Crematoria cremators; reduced dependence on oil fired electricity Plant have all acted to reduce pollution. Vehicle traffic remains the significant unaddressed source of pollution; measurements suggest pollution shows no signs of going into long term decline. Guidance on the air quality review and assessment process is under fundamental review; new guidance from the UK is due August 08. The detail around the main source emissions on Jersey remains undefined. In particular the energy from the Waste Plant, Integrated Travel and Transport Plan, Major Development schemes (Esplanade Quarter, Ann Court Car Park, Castle Quays etc.) are yet to fully quantify their impact on air quality.
Performance:
Source: Health Protection Services
4.4b Bathing Water Quality
Why it is important:
High quality, unpolluted bathing waters are important both for the promotion of the Island’s beautiful natural environment and for the protection of the health of bathers and other persons who use bathing waters for recreational purposes.
What was achieved:
It is widely recognised that Jersey has some of the cleanest bathing waters in Europe. The world’s first health related bathing water standards were developed in Jersey in 1994/95. This new approach was adopted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1997 for their Guidance on Recreational Water Quality following an Expert Consultation in St Helier in 1997. The EU has also adopted this approach in the revised Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC), which is now beginning to be implemented and will continue to be over the next few years. Jersey’s bathing waters continue to exhibit comparatively high quality on an annual basis though there is a downturn in this years quality. This was likely to have been caused by high surface runoff being created by exceptionally wet weather during the bathing season.
Performance:
2006
• In 2006, all of the 16 beaches tested, passed the EU Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC) Imperative Standard (100%).
• 11 of the 16 passed the more stringent Guide standard (69%).
2007
• In 2007 all of the beaches passed the EU Bathing Water Directive(76/160/EEC) Imperative Standard (100%).
• 7 of the 16 passed the more stringent Guide standard (44%).
Bathing Water Quality - % Compliance at Imperative (I) and Guide (G) standards with EU Bathing Water Directive (76/160/EEC)
Year I G
2004 100 86
2005 94 88
2006 100 69
2007 100 44
Source: Planning & Environment
4.5a Land coverage/change in habitat/land use
Why it is important:
Monitoring land use change at a strategic Island-wide level can help an understanding of environmental change and can inform policy-making.
What was achieved:
A comprehensive assessment of land use coverage and type was undertaken in Jersey in 1997 based on satellite imagery (top chart).
Whilst not directly comparable, a methodology to define land use coverage using the digital map of the Island has been undertaken based on data at 2006 (bottom chart). This will continue to employed, based on annual map updates, to monitor change over time.
Performance:
Source: CLEVER - Mapping of Land Cover in Jersey; Jersey in Figures; States of Jersey Statistics Unit.
Source: Jersey Digital Map; Planning and Environment Department
1.1e Waste produced including recycling rates
Why it is important:
Waste is a misuse of resources. We must not only reduce the amount we produce, but we must also make the most out of that which is generated. This can be achieved through recycling and composting and energy recovery.
What was achieved:
The amount of waste requiring disposal in 2007 increased by nearly 5% (4,637 tonnes) to 106,587 tonnes. This increase occurred despite there also being an increase in the recycling rate.
The recycling and composting rate increased to 30.4% in 2007, a rise of 2.6% over the 2006 figure and 3.4% over the target set for 2007 in the Business Plan. Awareness campaigns and increased provision of facilities, particularly the new Recycling Centre at Bellozanne, have undoubtedly contributed to the increase. This recycling rate compares well with England where in 2006/07, 30.8% of household waste was collected for recycling and composting in England (DEFRA)*.
Future performance and ability to achieve the 32% recycling and composting target set for 2009 in the Solid Waste Strategy is reliant upon the funding requirements identified through Environmental Taxes.
England also sets targets and monitors its Energy Recovery and Refuse Derived Fuel manufacture. Jersey not only far surpasses the average rate for England but also the most successful region, the West Midlands.
*As waste is not collected in the same way in England and Jersey, it is not possible to compare exactly like for like, therefore these figures should be seen as indications only Performance:
Source: Transport and Technical services and DEFRA for English government office regions.
INTERNATIONAL
5.2b Constitutional position
Why it is important:
It is essential for Jersey to strengthen links with the United Kingdom, the European Union and international organisations, in order to create a strong international profile, to ensure that the image of the island is well presented overseas and to protect the reputation of Jersey as a first class international finance centre.
It is difficult to actually measure other than through the incidence of positive/negative views and through our continuing to enter into key international treaties and conventions in our own name.
What was achieved:
In May 2007 the Chief Minister and the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs signed a framework document on the development of Jersey's international identity. The agreement highlights the unique constitutional relationship between Jersey and the UK, and that Jersey has an international identity separate from and different to the UK.
The Chief Minister has published a progress report on international conventions and agreements for the year up to 30 September 2007. This report identifies a number of important international conventions that were extended to Jersey during the period, and several more for which the extension of ratification has been requested in due course.
Most significantly, Jersey signed in its own name a Tax Information Exchange Agreeement with the Netherlands and made progress in negotiation of a number of other TIEAs.
5.2a Overseas Aid as a proportion of GNI
Why it is important:
As a prosperous economy Jersey is committed to providing aid for those less well off elsewhere in the world. This takes the form of grants to projects (for example to provide clean water) as well as disaster and emergency relief.
What was achieved:
The first chart illustrates how the level of Overseas Aid compares to that of the overall level of gross national income (GNI) and shows Jersey’s Overseas Aid provision is increasing in total and there is also an improving trend as a percentage of GNI standing at 0.17% in 2006 (2007 GNI information is not available until September).
The long term objective approved by the States in 2002 is towards 2.4% of States tax revenues. In the period from 2003 to 2007 the Overseas Aid contribution has increased from £4.603m to £6.331m. The latest draft Business Plan proposals are for Overseas Aid funding to increase by 5% p.a. from 2009.
Performance:
Source: Overseas Aid Committee Annual Report; Jersey in Figures; States of Jersey Statistics Unit.
Source: Treasury & Resources
GOVERNMENT
5.1a Public satisfaction with government
Why it is important:
Government is not an end in itself, but is a means to providing the public with the services and policies it needs to function successfully. A key measure of success, therefore, is the extent to which the public is satisfied with government.
What was achieved:
The Strategic Plan 2006 – 2011 was adopted by the States in July 2006, and this sets out a vision and framework for the future of Jersey. Work is now well under way in implementing the initiatives described in the Strategic Plan, progress against which is published every 6 months. The results of two MORI polls show that 32% of the population considered themselves to be 'fairly satisfied' with the government of Jersey in 2006, compared to 34% in 2000.
Performance:
Note: Jersey residents aged 18+, interviewed by telephone, 20 July -24 September 2006.
Source:Ipsos MORI conducted for The Privileges and Procedures Committee.
5.1c Electoral Turnout (in an election year)
Why it is important:
Public elections are a cornerstone of any modern democracy, and a high rate of electoral turnout is critical to their success. Electoral turnout provides a reliable indication of the extent to which the government is successfully engaging the public in the issues of the day. What was achieved:
The last elections took place in the autumn of 2005, and therefore no information has been compiled for 2006/7.
The next elections will be in autumn 2008.
6.1b States planned Budget (deficit)/surplus in the year
Why it is important:
Just as families aim not to spend more than their incomes over time, so the States aims to budget prudently over the economic cycle. It is not permitted under the Finance Law to budget for a deficit on the States’ Consolidated Fund (effectively its bank account). Therefore prudent planning is vital.
What was achieved:
The States’ planned Budget deficit was reduced from some £8m in 2006 to £3m in 2007. In practice, 2006 saw an actual surplus of £22m and 2007 an actual surplus of £38m. Latest forecasts indicate a projected actual surplus for 2008 of £65 million and over the 5-year planning cycle from 2007 the projected surplus would accumulate to £179 million. This reflects
an improvement in income tax revenues and the introduction of a Goods and Service Tax in advance of the new Corporate Tax Structure 0/10.
Performance:
Source: Treasury & Resources
HEADLINE INDICATORS BY COMMITMENT
Commitment One: We will maintain and enhance a strong, successful and environmentally sustainable economy
1.1e Waste produced including recycling rates
1.2a Economic Growth (Gross Value Added)
1.3a Inflation (RPIX)
1.4a Overall employment
1.7c Tax as a percentage of GDP compared to other jurisdictions
1.7d Average Earnings Index
Commitment Two: We will create the environment in which everyone in Jersey has the opportunity to enjoy a good quality of life
2.2a Public access to healthcare
2.2b Life expectancy at birth
2.7a Examination Results – GCSE/A-level
2.7b Higher education/university participation rates and results
2.11a Changes in the overall population and inward migration
Commitment Three: We will promote a safe, just and equitable society
3.2a Levels of Recorded Crime
3.6a Proportion of working age residents needing income support and overall benefits paid in real terms n/a
3.8b House Price Index/Earnings ratio
3.8c Home ownership vs Rental
Commitment Four: We will maintain and enhance the natural and built environment
4.4b Air Quality
4.4c Bathing Water Quality
4.5a Land coverage/change in habitat/land use
4.7b Supply of Homes
Commitment Five: We will create a strong recognised identity for Jersey and promote a real sense of belonging
5.1a Public satisfaction with government
5.1c Electoral Turnout (in an election year) n/a
5.2a Overseas Aid as a proportion of GNI
5.2b Constitutional position
Commitment Six: We will ensure that States services are necessary, efficient and of good quality
6.1b States Budget (deficit)/surplus in the year/comparable cost of government
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