Would you give Jersey an 'A' grade?

Wednesday 15 June 2016

The States have launched a new ten-minute survey asking what you think of the Island as a place to live, work, bring up children and retire.

The 'My Jersey' survey asks questions like whether you can afford a decent standard of living here, whether you feel you have access to good quality healthcare and whether you think your children are getting the best start in life in Jersey and asks what will be important to you in 20 years' time.

You'll find the survey here which turns your scores into grades. The results will be used to develop a draft long-term vision for the Island to plan for future challenges such as an ageing society, technological change, economic trends and climate change.

Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst said: “No-one knows exactly how life in Jersey will be 20 years from now, but we can say how we’d like things to turn out. I hope that the Shaping Our Future consultation will give our community a chance to say what they value most about Jersey today and what they’d like to change - so we can develop a shared aspiration for our future.

“Adopting this new approach sets our focus for how government can help make a difference. It provides transparency on what we are working to achieve, not just during one political term of office, but over the longer term. And it helps everyone see whether our policies are actually taking us in the right direction.”

The survey, which will be promoted at public events and on social media over the coming weeks, isn't a replacement for the strategic plan but will help guide it to create a sustainable future for the Island.

Housing Minister, Deputy Anne Pryke said “Like many other places, Jersey is facing significant challenges in a rapidly changing world. As an Island we have been successful in many areas, and in others, we need to improve. This is a real opportunity to say what’s important to you, and, in years to come, to be able to look back and know that you played a part in making Jersey a better place for us all.”

The plan is to have a draft long-term vision for the Island ready by the end of the year.

On behalf of the States, Dr Ian Skinner has put together a presentation on why the Island needs a long-term plan: