St Brelade

1 (a). Is it right that the number of Senators has been reduced, thus limiting
the choice for Islanders as a whole to choose their political leaders?

1 (b). If no, what would you seek to do about it?

2. The States Pension age is going to be progressively increased over the next few years. Would you support legislation preventing employers from compulsorily retiring people who have not yet qualified for their pension, to prevent them being left without any income other than such welfare as they may qualify for?

3 (a). Would you support measures to stabilise the population at current levels?

3 (b). If not, how do think Jersey can accommodate further population growth?

4. Who will have your support to be the next Chief Minister?

5. Would you like Jersey to move towards a more progressive tax system?

6. Do you think GST should be retained in its present form, abolished, reduced or increased?

7 (a). Is Ministerial Government working the way it was envisaged?

7 (b) If not, what would you do to remedy the situation?

8. With the long-term stagnation of the housing market, the private rental sector is once again growing in importance. Would you support an overhaul of tenancy law to strike a fairer balance of rights and duties between residents and landlords?

9. Do you have a view on whether the extensive importation of UK Civil Service managers on short contracts is beneficial, or whether there should be more emphasis on career development for local civil servants?

10. Which, if any, public services would you like to see the States cutting?

11. Would you support increased Social Security contributions, ring fenced to protect future pension & health benefits, but not as a way of raising income for the Treasury.

M.J. Le Masurier St Brelades No 2:-


1a It was not right to reduce the Senators in this fashion. I agree with a reduction of States members but it needs to be achieved as part of a full review of the structure of government.
1 b. The electoral commission is looking at this issue. Subject to outcomes, I would be in favour of a full review, similar to Clothier but seek the agreement of all members beforehand to live with the outcomes, no matter what is proposed.

2.Yes. I like the idea of offering pensioners the opportunity of returning to the workplace to contribute as 'coaches' for the younger generation and pass on their skills. Granted, this isn't for all pensioners.

3.a Very much so. I believe we have to improve the productivity levels across the workforce so that locals can take on more responsibility, reducing the need for additional people from off Island. Also, allow locals to progress to top positions via compulsory succession planning.
3.b. See above. We will always need some expertise from off Island but I think the numbers could be dramatically reduced.

4. Whoever shows me that they are a caring and progressive individual with charismatic leadership qualities. It is too early to tell.

5.I'm not sure 20/20 is the answer. Middle Jersey needs help in the form of exemptions as they bear the largest burden in terms of taxation and other costs. I'd welcome a review of the tax contribution of 1.1 K residents to ensure fairness is maintained across all sectors of the community.

6. I think GST is harming local residents and there should be exemptions from the essentials of life. Explore other ways of closing the zero/10 shortfall rather then via GST.

7.a. No it isn't. Power lies in too few hands. It has to change and quickly.
7.b See 1.b

8. Yes, that seems reasonable.

9. Much of my life has been spent in the field of training & development. The civil service is large enough and diverse enough as it is without bringing in people from outside the Island, except in rare circumstances. More flexibility is needed to enable the workforce to move between sectors where needed and comprehensive training & development opportunities and career planning should exist to help them make that transition. Also, good succession planning is a necessity

10. No essential services but a phased reduction in management levels as any responsible business would do. Freeze pay awards for a period for the highly paid. Look at ways to 'share' or amalgamate departments and services.

11. Yes, the concept has merit, but not right now.


Steve Pallett – Constable:-



1 (a). No.
1(b). The decision has been made and I do not want to waste more States time redebating the issue. I want to wait for the independent review into the composition of the States Assembly before moving forward. I do however think the final make-up of the Assembly should be decided by the public through a referendum.

2. Yes, I would support legislation preventing employers from compulsorily retiring people before pension age.

3. Yes, because of the poor state of the island's economy and the number of local people unemployed.

4. Senator Ian le Marquand.

5. Yes

6. retained in its present form. No further increases until States spending has been brought under control.

7.(a). No
7.(b). Too much power in the hands of too few individuals. Make government more inclusive by increasing those involved in decision making. Possibly having two Assistant Ministers per Minister, each with more responsibility.

8. Yes.

9.more emphasis on career development. Grooming successors for senior civil servant roles. Less reliance on the importation of senior managers and consultants.

10. An overall cut in the level of States expenditure. Reduce staffing levels at major departments through natural wastage rather than compulsory redundancies. A moratorium on employing new staff above say a salary level of £70,00 unless a proven need, or unavailable from another States Department.

11. No.