Newsletter - December 2025

Discussion meeting on early years

The Centre convened a discussion meeting on early years provision on 13 November. 23 people attended – members of the States, primary school heads and representatives of charities and early years providers. A summary of the discussion is on the Centre’s website. Key points -

• High quality early years support is essential to give children the right start in life.
• Understanding the importance of this is increasing but not sufficient.
• The proportion of children at the expected stage of development when they start reception is below the government target.
• High childcare costs are a huge burden for families, particularly those with limited support from family and friends.
• There is no clear rationale for the proposal to provide support for 15 hours nursery education for 2-3-year-olds.

A comprehensive research report on early years, drawing on the discussion, will be published in December.

Think piece on homelessness published

A think piece  Homelessness - the housing first model by Jennifer Bridge was published on 21 November. Key points –

• There has been a sharp increase in homelessness in Jersey.
• There are structural, personal and social drivers of homelessness.
• Organisations supporting homeless people are working to capacity.
• The Jersey Homelessness Strategy has eight priorities: statutory definition and regular data, an advice centre, structured support, more accommodation, increased housing supply, prevention, effective governance, and stronger accountability.
• The Housing First approach provides immediate, unconditional permanent housing, accompanied by flexible, wraparound support.

Policy Brief on liquid waste management published

A  Policy Brief Liquid waste management was published on 28 November. Key points -

• Significant investment is needed to upgrade and maintain the sewerage system and treatment facilities. A decision is needed on how this will be paid for.
• Policy options include direct user-pays charging; investment in treatment and circular economy; enhanced licensing and regulatory oversight; incentives for reduction and public engagement; and long-term planning for resilience.
• The proposed 2026 Budget includes provision for charges totalling £10 million to be levied from 2028 onwards.

Wind farm project on hold

On 20 November 2025 the Government published a comprehensive report which effectively put the wind farm project on hold. The report’s conclusion was that “It is premature to open a lease process. Although offshore wind could offer Jersey real economic potential, current market uncertainty, geopolitical risk and unclear access to export markets make this an unfavourable time to proceed with a leasing process. A decision should only follow once market conditions and access terms are clearly understood and shown to deliver a net benefit for Islanders.” The Centre has updated its comprehensive Policy Brief Wind farm to include a summary of the report.

Changes to election law not yet in force

The Elections (Senators) (Jersey) Amendment Law 202- , which provides for the reintroduction of senators, was approved by the States Assembly on 11 September.  It has not yet been sanctioned by the Privy Council but not yet registered at the Royal Court.  As a result the substantive laws on Jersey’s electoral system have not been updated. When this is done the Centre will update its comprehensive Knowledge Centre paper Jersey’s political system and it Policy Brief 2026 General Election.

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