Manifesto
Time for positive politics - Time for a fresh approach
Ensuring we have affordable homes
The cost of housing is a major concern for many islanders contributing to a cost-of-living crisis. We are losing our skilled workforce and there is an increase in homelessness. I want to see:
Housing built as part of a community plan, with great local amenities, public open green space, community facilities and alternative transport options including safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians.
A different approach to how we build cost-effective, climate-resilient housing for all. To keep them affordable and energy-efficient. Increasing the availability of assisted-purchase homes for young families, for right-size homes and for key workers.
Improvements to the private rented sector through financial structures that can help people, especially young renters, afford a decent home, give protection from excessive rent rises and explore alternative rental structures like HMOs (Houses in multiple occupation).
Rapid implementation of the homelessness strategy and an action plan to stem our increasing homelessness crisis.
Providing quality health care for all
We need quality affordable health care that focuses on prevention, wellbeing and encouraging healthy lifestyles. We hear of increasing patient and staff complaints, low morale, staffing gaps, and increased waiting times. I want to see:
Accessible quality primary health care that includes free child consultations, more support for ‘just managing’ families and enhanced mental health provisions.
Development of a Dementia strategy. As the fastest growing disease, we need to care for our ageing population. This should include improved community, patients’ pathways and be fully funded.
A new hospital - but the energy and money so far has been focused on a building without looking at how it will be run, be maintained and by whom. We need more key workers and nurses and less administrative staff. There needs to be more transparency and prudence with the financial management.
Protecting and enhancing our environment
We must be bold and act now if there is to be a future for young people. Jersey provides us with a naturally resilient home, but we must be more ambitious, more focused and act long-term. Individualising climate action is not enough - it is for the government to act in conjunction with business. I want to see:
Our countryside, heritage, marine life and biodiversity protected, focusing on enhancing and improving soil quality to ensure the land remains healthy and delivering a network of Marine Protected Areas.
A stronger ethical, socially conscious, and sustainable procurement policy across all government bodies and where businesses and charities receive public funds.
Access to healthy, affordable food where our farmers are valued. Development of a food security strategy, the creation of a cross-sectoral food security Taskforce to deal with the ramifications of the looming food and cost of living crisis, enhancing support, and exploring succession planning to support existing and new farmers.
Read more from the Environment Hustings: Microsoft Word - Enviro Hustings Hilary Jeune Answers (durrell.org)
Read more of my answers on food security: SCOOP Election question answers.pdf - Google Drive
Building resilience through diversifying our economy
A strong, diverse economy, which works for all of us while limiting our negative impact on the environment. The economy should create decent work, enhance our quality of life and wellbeing, and increase the wealth required to fund our public services, while adapting to the changing dynamics of an ageing population. Unfortunately, Jersey’s economic performance over the last 20 years has been poor. This needs to be reversed. I want to see:
Support for small businesses and digital innovation looking at how to cut red tape, be more energy efficient to support decarbonisation and cut the increasing costs of energy and focus on sustainability.
An effective/balanced population policy that balances the skills gap that we are currently facing, with the need to limit the amount of people settling long term on the island.
Drive to be a true Sustainable Finance Jurisdiction, ensuring environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations underpin all investment decisions.
Enhancing education and skills
Education is key to the future economic and social wellbeing of Jersey. A well-educated population is essential to raise the standard of living for all islanders and ensures it reduces our need to look elsewhere to plug gaps for essential workers. I want to see:
Provision of quality education for all that focuses on problem-solving, critical thinking, building confidence and empathy, and reducing excessive testing.
Enhanced digital skills and financial literacy for all.
An independent Skills and Careers Agency working to help get local people into local jobs across all sectors that is aligned with a fit for purpose skills and careers strategy. Currently not all students get the same careers advice and guidance. Young people need to know what Jersey can offer them.
Promoting a diverse and inclusive society
Jersey as a community can only be prosperous if it is diverse and inclusive. An inclusive society is a society that overrides differences of race, gender, class, generation, and geography, and ensures inclusion, equality of opportunity for all. I want to see:
Greater collaboration across the public, private and third sectors to find innovative solutions to key social issues affecting Jersey.
Support for parents returning to work with broader nursery and flexible working provisions.
Reduction in the gender pay gap with government being the standard bearers and further adoption of the living wage.
The creation of an Equalities Minister for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Read more of my answers from questions posed by Jersey Evangelical Alliance: Microsoft Word - Hilary Jeune Deputy St. John St. Lawrence and Trinity JEA Questionnaire (squarespace.com)
Stronger communities, working together
Parish life enhances our community. Each has a strong, unique identity that we must support and preserve. The new electoral system, which combines the parishes of St John, St Lawrence, and Trinity into one voting district, presents an opportunity for greater collaboration. We can share ideas, information, and best practice. I want to see:
The constituency’s 4 Deputies and 3 Constables working together to establish a space for constructive, collaborative exchanges of ideas.
Engage a greater number of people of all ages, strengthening and future-proofing the parish system at the heart of our communities.