Fresh attempt to get Guernsey and Jersey collaborating

Friday 28 October 2022

Deputies Neil Inder and Jonathan Le Tocq want to direct all States’ departments to identify opportunities for “joint working” with Jersey “which could generate revenue savings or efficiencies” in the coming years.

Multiple attempts have been made over many years to get the two Bailiwick’s working together more closely and collaboratively.

But Express found earlier this year that there have been few achievements to shout about over the past decade.

However, a fresh attempt to deliver progress could be launched if an amendment to the 2023 budget is successful next week.

They want all principal committees of the States of Guernsey – such as Environment & Infrastructure and Health & Social Care – as well as the Scrutiny Management Committee, States’ Trading Supervisory Board, and the Development & Planning Authority to look for joint-working opportunities with our neighbours.

If successful, the island’s senior committee, Policy & Resources, would be directed to report on all work undertaken in the next edition of the Government Work Plan. 

Both the States of Guernsey and Government of Jersey told Express in March that joint working between the jurisdictions was “expected to grow” because of pandemic pressures reducing. 

Pictured: Deputy Kristen Morel, Jersey's Deputy Chief Minister, recently met with several senior Guernsey politicians. 

Their amendment states: “Recent meetings with Deputy Kirsten Morel has identified a desire for the Islands to work together on matters of regulation and where savings and efficiencies could be made. 

“The Presidents of the Committee for Economic Development, Home Affairs and Education Sport and Culture were present, along with the Chief Minister and the Lead for External Relations. 

“As the cost of running the Islands continue to rise; there is no better time to focus our political minds of where we can work together to reduce the burden of government on the taxpayer.”

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