News
Newsletter April 2025
Contents
Top issues survey
On 7 March the Policy Centre released its first Top Issues for islanders report, identifying the key issues that matter most to the people of Jersey. Cost of living was the most important issue, with 29% of respondents identifying it as their top issue and 64% citing it as a major concern when prompted. Housing, faith in government and healthcare and hospital services were the other main issues
Discussion on top issues survey
On 7 March a discussion meeting was held on the survey, with opening contributions from Deputies Elaine Millar and Catherine Curtis. Key points from the discussion –
- Polling and focus groups usefully complement other means of gauging the issues of concern.
- Views on major issues are influenced by what politicians and the media say are major issues.
- Perceptions can be very difficult to change.
IoD Leadership Lens Survey
Coincidentally, on 19 February the Institute of Directors Jersey released the results of a survey amongst its members. The survey indicated a high level of uncertainty and pessimism across various industries regarding the Jersey economy. 27% of businesses were optimistic about the Jersey economy and 41% were pessimistic.
Reinstatement of Senators
On 20 March the States Assembly agreed to reinstate Senators. The Assembly’s Policy Brief on the subject was widely quoted in the debate. The Policy Brief has been updated to include the implications of the decision, both on the timing of the necessary changes in legislation and the implications for the principle of equality of voting power.
Education
There is a paucity of data on education, and also what little data there is, is published in a misleading way. Accordingly, the Centre made a Freedom of Information request for data on attainment levels. The response, published on 3 March, included, for the first time, a table on value added figures for each school.
On 13 March the Centre published a think piece Improving education outcomes in Jersey by education expert Rachael Williams. This suggested a number of actions to maximise the return on investment in Jersey’s education system.
National Anthem
On 21 March 2025 the States Assembly designated “Beautiful Jersey” as Jersey’s national anthem. The Centre’s Knowledge Centre paper has been updated to reflect the decision. It describes the anthem and the tortuous process that preceded that decision.
