philip@ozouf.je
Office Number – 01534 832255 Mobile Number – 07797 713838 Message Line – 01534 627868
ozouf.je
facebook.com/pozouf
twitter.com/philipozoufHOW I WORK
Whilst manifesto pledges and polices are important, the way in which we organise ourselves and our work is how we get things done. There are lots of theories of management. I have found the 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’' to be a useful tool.
Here are my adapted version of these principles:
1. Always be proactive
Most of the challenges and opportunities Jersey faces are predictable. Taking action early is always better than putting difficult decisions off. I believe in thinking ahead, good planning and focus on long-term issues. In years of economic growth money needs to be put aside for leaner times. That's how the stabilisation fund was built up, which I was jointly responsible for. If we had not had that, we would not have been able to protect the vulnerable from the worst excesses of the downturn.
2. Have a vision & the end goal in mind
Every person, organisation and government needs a plan to know what their long-term goals are. 'Beginning with the end in mind' is a very useful way of focusing our work. Ministers need a united approach that is achievable and will deliver a better future for all people of Jersey. For example we needed to help more people into home ownership as squeezed incomes and tighter lending criteria meant first-time buyers could not afford a deposit, let alone get a mortgage. We fixed our sights on introducing a scheme to get young families into home ownership and despite opposition never lost sight of that goal. We achieved the dream of home ownership for families and individuals who would never have been able to reach it without our help.
3. Prioritise
Nobody can do everything all at once. Ministers are often under intense pressure and time is our most valuable commodity. Being organised and prioritising objectives on a daily, weekly, quarterly and annual basis is how I work. I have lists of things to achieve every day. I set objectives for myself and my team annually and update them three times a year to coincide with the States sessions. That's how we get things done.
4. Think win:win
Political life can be dominated by a lot of negativity. Policy choices are portrayed as binary or 'they win and they lose'. The best solutions are when everybody wins and those are the situations I try to seek out. Savings need to be made, but asking front line staff to find solutions is often best. As a result of the savings programme I led, many States employees have now been empowered to make decisions.
They are delivering better services at a lower cost. There are examples, including the Hospital Canteen, which used to lose thousands of pounds a year. It was at risk of being closed, which would have saved money but would not have been the best solution. The staff who run the canteen were empowered. As a result they have designed a new, simpler and healthier menu, which has saved waste, they have also provided free wifi and a loyalty card system. They now have more customers and the canteen is making a profit.
5. Listen first, then decide
It is essential that ministers constantly find ways to listen to the views of everyone, not only the loudest voices. Whilst people with strong strong views do need to be listened to and their views respected, there is a silent majority whose opinions also need to be sought. The impression is given that ministers don't listen, but listening is vital. None of us know all the answers to all the issues and challenges we face. We also need to understand the concerns of people. That’s why, despite six very tough years of economic crisis, I've held over 200 public interest groups, third sector and other 1:1 meetings, to hear the concerns of a wide group of islanders. Sometimes decisions are difficult, but decisions should only be taken after listening and that's what I try to do.
6. Teamwork
In Jersey, in recent times, we have had ‘personality politics’, with individuals promoting their own agendas. I believe in team-politics. Some decisions are too important to be left to one person. A planning decision can be worth £millions. In smaller communities, party politics can end up being more divisive. Things are always best delivered as a team. Ministers are the team leaders for their own departments and minsters are also members of a team - the Council of Ministers. I have worked for and along-side almost all of my ministerial colleagues: Andrew Green for Housing; Heath to provide additional funding; Education to deliver extra support for Highlands, trackers apprenticeships and Prince's Trust; Transport and Technical Services for Liquid Waste; Social Security for Long Term Care and jobs; Economic Development where I took the Innovation Fund to the States; External Relations to support our removal from the French blacklist and with the Chief Minister on financial services. It is only working as an effective team that you can deliver for people. This is quite apart from my relationship with my Assistant Minister Eddie Noel with whom I have worked productively and positively for six years.
7. Learning never stops
We should never stop improving our knowledge. Ministers need to put aside time to improve overall knowledge by reading, researching, gaining new information from experts and travelling to places where we can learn from others and improve ourselves. As Treasury Minister and Assistant Chief Minister I am often called to speak at conferences and represent Jersey. I spend a great deal of my own time reading and researching topics that mean I can do the very best in promoting Jersey's interests.
JOBS
Digital Diversification
Technology has changed, and will continue to revolutionise all aspects of our lives: eHealth and eLearning have huge capacity to improve our world with the right, affordable telecommunication infrastructure. Jersey is incredibly well-placed to attract new businesses and support local digital companies, creating jobs for Islanders who do not necessarily want to work in Financial Services. Digital diversification should be at the core of the next Strategic Plan. I am proud that I have ensured the Digital Agenda was included in the last Strategic Plan, In the future I will continue to champion its growth and the diversification it can deliver.
Financial Services
Our Financial Services Industry has evolved and changed over the last fifty years. Through the adoption of high regulatory standards, Jersey has avoided some of the most serious potential effects of the Global Financial Crisis that has brought other small jurisdictions to their knees. Published this year, the Financial Framework, based on sound external advice, is the blueprint for securing a strong and exciting future for our Finance Industry. Jointly with the Chief Minister I am proud to have led this transformation. I will do all I can in future to support the continued growth of Financial Services.
Agriculture
Coming from a long-standing farming family I understand the role that farming has in the community and we also depend on farmers to maintain our rural landscape. We must continue to support farmers with the proper assistance they need. At the same time, subsidies must not end up simply being paid into the pockets of landowners.
ECONOMY
Tourism
Tourism remains an incredibly important part of our economy and I strongly support Kevin Keen’s view that it should not be referred to as a “low value sector”. The visitor economy makes the Island vibrant and ensures we have an unparalleled offering of gastronomy and hotels, which helps to make us the best-connected destination for travel in the British Isles. Looking ahead, we need to provide more investment and initiatives. We need a new focus on events that not only benefit the Island but also bring people to Jersey. I am proud to have supported more funding for Tourism - directly and indirectly. In 2002 I led the decision to lower landing fees and I was responsible for attracting EasyJet to Jersey in 2006. From 2005 to 2008 I invested more in the Battle of Flowers, International Air Display, Jersey Live Festival, Branchage Film Festival, the Jersey Marathon and many other events. At the Treasury I arranged additional funding for the Tourism Development Fund, for the Coin Hoard project, Durrell Visitor Centre and Opera House. I will do all I can to support the Kevin Keen Tourism Agenda for change.
Competition
I was responsible for the introduction of the Competition Law banning cartels and price fixing in 2005. Since it was introduced it is no coincidence that Jersey’s inflation rate has been below that of the UK. I have been disappointed at the progress made in key areas of competition in energy and other important components of every Islander’s weekly budget. It is now appropriate that we review and refocus the Competition Law so that we can ensure prices that are clearly unfair, are decreased.
POPULATION & TAX
Population
We have always experienced growth in our population, which has helped Jersey become the Island it is today. I believe that migration brings with it entrepreneurs, diversification and assets; our past is an example of this. Our ideal is to train and recruit locally, retain the talent we have in our own children, and then encourage people to help the Island grow economically and socially. How we do this is key – growth of business and the economy depends on it.
Property Taxes
There are a wide-range of existing property taxes including; Parish and Island-Wide Rates, Mortgage Interest Tax relief, Income Taxes on rental income, Stamp Duties on property purchases and a range of planning and development obligations and levies. The whole area of Property Tax is something that needs to be examined. I have published a consultation on how these different taxes interrelate. A member of our highly expert independent Fiscal Policy Panel stated they thought the report was the most comprehensive report on Property Tax they had ever seen. However, disappointingly some have criticised the report. I have said that the current system of rates paid by businesses is unfair to shopkeepers and hoteliers. It is a justifiable reason to examine all property taxes to promote fairness, economic competitiveness and to lower the cost of getting into home-ownership. We should be collecting more revenue from non-Jersey companies who own and lease office space here in Jersey.
Taxation
I have published the Long-Term Tax Policy, which sets out the fundamental principles of the taxation system. In the last fifteen years we've seen difficult but necessary changes in the way that we collect tax. I don't want to see Income Tax or GST rates increase. I'm committed to the principle of low, broad and simple taxes. More revenue can be collected by growing the economy, rather than taxing lower and middle income Jersey more. Despite having been Treasury Minister during a period of economic downturn, my last three Budgets have increased allowances for working parents for child-care costs, extended allowances for parents with students at university and this year reduced the marginal rate of tax, which benefits over 80% of taxpayers. The next few years should include focus on tax rate stability and easing.
Home Ownership
This is a key aspiration for many Islanders. The Global Economic Crisis has caused lending to tighten. Even those with good jobs and hard-earned savings have found the possibility of home ownership taken away from them, unless they have access to a deposit of up to £80,000. In six months, the Deposit Loan Scheme helped fifty local families buy homes, in all cases this would have been impossible without the scheme. Every mortgage was fixed at record low rates with the mortgage provider, making them affordable. The States funds provided a loan, which will be repaid in full, with interest. The first scheme was a pilot and it worked. I believe there are many more families and individuals in Jersey who still need help. I pledge to run another scheme.
Rental Housing
Andrew Green and I inherited a critically under-funded social housing portfolio. We have allocated very significant sums to improve the living standards of hundreds of homes over the last three years. More needs to be invested in the coming years to ensure that all rental properties are decent, safe, secure and efficient. The current low interest rates mean that the best value opportunity to secure the necessary investment is long-term finance through a Housing Bond. So, earlier this year a Housing Bond was issued at 3.75%, fixed and repayable in forty years, this is an incredibly low rate. This avoided cuts being made to Healthcare and Education capital requests, which don't produce a return like rental properties do. The thousands of rental properties owned by the States are people's homes as well as assets. We needed to look after them as such, and with the brand new Andium Homes scheme and the new Bond we now can.
HEALTH
Funding of Health
The major challenge of all governments around the world is how to fund their Health Services. With huge advances in medical science, new treatments and medicines, lives are being extended. The good news is that we're all going to live longer. However we must recognise that with an increasing older population the costs of healthcare in total is going to rise. Most politicians do not explain that the main reason why public spending will rise in the future is because of the absolutely essential need to reform and invest in Health. The bottom line is: if a universal, effective and efficient Health Service is to be provided for our community, it has to be paid for. As Treasury Minister, I supported an extra £30 million recurring annual investment in the Health and Social Services budget by 2015. Additionally the returns from the Strategic Reserve will be made available to fund a new hospital. There are important decisions about the location of the hospital that still have to be made. The question that remains is how the expected further £50 million per annum, required by 2020, is to be funded.
GP, Prescriptions & Primary Health
Currently the Health Insurance Fund is entirely focused on Primary Care and free prescriptions; contributions are only levied against income, and only by workers. It is inevitable that significant changes are going to be required to make the Health Insurance Fund wider in terms of contributions and the benefits it provides. There are real concerns about GP costs for many families. I'm determined to continue to work to make the Health Insurance Fund, Long-Term Care Charge and Income Tax System fairer.
Mental Health
The new Health Minister and I visited St Saviour’s Hospital and were shocked at the poor condition of the Mental Health and Dementia facilities. Emergency funding for urgent investment in mental health facilities was identified and this work has now been completed. I passionately believe mental health is as important as physical health. It is vital that we de-stigmatise mental health issues. I believe that Jersey can lead the way in reforming Social Services, Mental Health Services and Physical Health Services into one non-judgmental, efficient, universally accessible and caring, world-class system for the local community.
EDUCATION
Education Strategy
The Reform of Jersey's Education has lacked political focus in recent years. Whilst most schools are well-equipped, good centres of teaching and learning, and we have many excellent and dedicated teachers, there are some concerns about standards. Education needs to be one of the next Council of Ministers very highest priorities. We have the opportunity to learn from the best practices in both public and independent schools. We need to understand better where results and standards are not so good. We need a system that embraces the use of Information Technology. Young people are our future. All parents aspire to the best teaching and learning environment so that their children have the motivation and self esteem to acquire the most appropriate skills for their own futures and for the future of the whole Island’s economy, culture and prosperity.
Funding Further Education
An increasing number of school-leavers, quite rightly, want to study for a degree. Whilst university is not the solution for all, the changes made to Student Finance a number of years ago are causing concern amongst many middle-income families. These concerns are discouraging students from pursuing a university education, of which they are wholly capable. I would aim to ensure that no Jersey student is deprived from enhancing their life chances; Jersey needs to support its future by investing in the present and promoting social mobility.
The 1001-Day Commitment
The time between conception and the age of two has been shown to be crucial to a person's whole-life chances; educational ability and health are determined by this initial, vital period. Respected third-sector organisations and politicians from across the political spectrum are promoting plans to help. I will ensure that a Jersey action-plan - I call it the 1001 Day Commitment - is included in the next States Strategic Plan, and that it will be funded in the spending plans for 2016 to 2019. This will not only support our youngest of young people, but also give the help and assistance parents need to realise the greatest potential for the next generation. My plan already has the backing of the Chief Minister, other ministers and numerous election candidates. It would be extremely powerful if all Senatorial and Deputy Candidates in this election agree on this and pledge to support.
PUBLIC FINANCES & EGOV
Spending
During my term as Treasury Minster after years of concern regarding States waste I successfully led the delivery of a savings programme, which cut costs by £60million per annum - this equates to a saving of approximately 10%. People said that it would not be possible but it was. All organisations need to constantly become more efficient and productive. I have published a document that sets out all the challenges States departments face in the next four years. More investment is going to be needed in Health and Education. Whilst welfare costs will come down as people get back to work, if taxes are to remain low, we need to grow the economy and deliver more, proper efficiency savings. In 2015 a 2% efficiency will be delivered. From 2016 to 2019 with new ways of working, a further £50 to £60 million can be saved.
eGovernment
eGovernment is the single biggest opportunity we have to change and improve how the States works for you in the future. It can make services simpler, more accessible and cut administration. eGovernment is capable of driving significant efficiencies and limit the growth of administrative workers in the public sector. We must work closely with industry and the public to make the move to eGovernment a priority to maximise value for the island, whilst always understanding that people who can't or don't wish to access services online are catered for too.
Overseas Aid
In comparative terms Jersey is a wealthy place and I believe we have an obligation to help those people in less fortunate countries. Islanders already make significant charitable donations, and the States should continue to support Overseas Aid, not only with money, but also through volunteering schemes. Every young Islander should have the opportunity to be part of an Overseas Aid Programme, this can open opportunities and create a lasting legacy of better understanding the world.
JERSEY & THE WORLD
Guernsey
Our relationship with Guernsey is absolutely critical. We need to build stronger relations with our sister Island and create opportunities to save money, boost competition and jointly improve our international relations. I have promoted the idea of a ‘Jersey-Guernsey Treaty’, which would be an overarching agreement on areas of cooperation. Both the Jersey and Guernsey Assemblies would need to approve this. There is an unshakeable destiny in the Channel Islands working more cooperatively for our mutual benefit in the future, and a treaty is the way to deliver it with the agreement of all.
Promoting & Representing Jersey
Jersey is a small island but we are part of the larger global community and have responsibilities to not only comply with international standards, but also assist other countries in their work. I have supported investment in the creation of the External Relations Ministry and the opening of offices in London and Brussels. Much of my time in the last six years has been spent building networks of contacts to ensure that the message of everything that we know is true about Jersey is said. The ‘Value of Jersey to Britain’ report, which changed, almost at a stroke, the relationship with the UK, was my idea. I am proud of this work and want to do more.
UK Relationship & Importance of British-Jersey
In 2012, outside Number 10 after the G8 meeting, I was able to explain to international media that Jersey was not the problem in terms of tax leakage for the UK. I explained that we were in fact the solution to jobs, growth and investment in UK infrastructure. Now we need to build stronger relationships with the City of London and the wider financial services sector across the UK. Together we will secure an even more competitive, globally compelling UK/Jersey proposition. That will mean we can more effectively compete with centres such as Hong Kong, Singapore and New York. This is a relationship that has lasted more than 800 years and it is vital that together we now focus on the benefit that this alliance delivers.
2015-THE TURNING POINT
Economic Recovery
After years of what is now known as the ‘Great Recession’ and an unsettling period, 2015 has the potential to be the turning point for better, more confident and more prosperous times ahead. I said in 2012 that the best has yet to come for Jersey and I remain of that view. By working together we can create an island where quality of life is a priority; where social-mobility, respect, fairness and community are all equal goals. The Jersey of tomorrow should be a place which we can all be immensely proud.
Celebrate 70 Years of Liberation
In 2015 we will celebrate and promote 70 Years of Liberation, reflecting on the challenging times we faced and celebrating what Jersey has achieved since then. There is huge affection for Jersey within the British Isles and we should promote 70 Years of Liberation with a series of events to welcome, and unite with our French and British friends.
2015 Island Games
Our aim next year is to host the best Island Games that has ever been staged and of course for our Island to win! Jersey 2015 is our equivalent of London 2012 and provides the opportunity to create, through the celebration of sporting endeavour, a positive image of our Island that puts it firmly on the visitor destination map.
New Jersey & the story of Sir George Carteret
It’s 350 years since King Charles II, through his brother James, (after their years spent in exile in Royalist and loyal Jersey at Elizabeth Castle) gave the lands of New Jersey to Sir George. This act literally changed the history of the world and in 2015 we need to promote this historical event by launching a project to restore Elizabeth Castle, promote Jersey in New Jersey and the United States and to ensure all young people, Islanders and visitors learn about this story.
WHAT OTHERS SAY
Margaret McGovern MBE - Retired Hospice Nurse
“I know Senator Philip Ozouf to be a person of integrity who has the welfare of all Jersey people whatever their status at heart. He has always demonstrated concern and support for the charitable organisations who provide essential care to the community."
Edward Trevor MBE - Chairman of National Federation of Shopmobility
"I first met Philip when I came to the Island eleven years ago and asked him for space in a car park for Shopmobility. He gave a very quick affirmative decision. This helps disabled people living or visiting Jersey."
Robert Kirkby - Director at KPMG
"Love it or hate it, with more than 12,000 employees in the finance industry you will know or be related to someone who works in it. Such an economic powerhouse in Jersey requires nurturing and investment and stability. Ask yourself who will provide all three for the future?"
Jason Laity - Former Chairman of IoD Jersey Branch & Director at KPMG
“Philip’s record demonstrates clearly that he is not afraid to take difficult decisions, and put Jersey’s interests over his personal popularity. He has also showed willingness to invest in the future, and make decisions for the long-term.“
Richard Le Boutiller - Farmer
"What impresses me most about Philip is his ability to cut through irrelevance and address those facts about an issue that matters - a unique skill for a politician."
ABOUT ME
Full Name
Philip Ozouf
D.O.B
March 25th 1970
Education
Victoria Collage - Jersey & European Business School - London
Current Political Office
Senator, States of Jersey – elected 2008
Current Ministerial Offices
Minister for Treasury and Resources
Assistant Chief Minister with special responsibility for Financial Services
Proposer
Alexander Ohlsson
Seconders
Richard Le Boutillier, Margaret McGovern, Edward Trevor, Jason Laity, Edward Noel, Dionne Gorst, Celia Jeune, Robert Kirkby, James Dickinson
Hobbies & Interests
My partner and I aim to visit a new country every year and take short trips to interesting places. Languages have always been an important part of my life: as a reasonably fluent French, German and Spanish speaker, I try and keep up my language skills - languages offer a window on another world and show interest and respect to other cultures. I keep fit by going to the gym at Fort Regent most week day mornings. I have diverse music interests (my partner is a chemistry teacher and well-known music critic) and we go to lots of concerts together. I'm fascinated by international affairs and politics. I had an Apple Mac SE30 since university and have always been an early adopter of new technology.
EXPERIENCE
Political History
• Elected as Deputy for St Helier District 3&4 in November 1999, topping the poll, then as Senator in 2002, again topping the poll, re-elected as Senator in 2008
• Economic Development Minister from 2005 - 2008
• Treasury & Resources Minister from 2008 - Present
• Assistant Chief Minister from 2013 - Present
• Vice Chairman of the States of Jersey Employment Board
• Member of the Jersey branch of the Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonieand Vice Chairman of the Alliance Jersey branch
• Former member of Jersey Legal Information Board and Jersey Relations Trust
Key Achievements
• Balanced budgets through a period of unprecedented global economic turmoil
• Increased the value of our long-term strategic reserve by over 50% through this period
• Delivered £60 million in recurring annual efficiency savings
• Rebuilt our reputation with international finance ministers in the UK and around the world
• Led the investment in our digital future
• Achieved international endorsement through a AA+ credit rating
• Delivered funding for social and affordable housing
• Fast-tracked funding for urgently needed social projects, including new mental health facilities
• Supported successful job creation programmes thereby lowering unemployment
