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The good news is that the Jersey government is giving everyone a £100 voucher to stimulate the economy - but the bad news is everyone will have to eventually pay it back.
The idea that this money will somehow stimulate the economy is ridiculous.
It is being given to all Jersey residents because it is easier than targeting the vouchers to the less well-off.
Even if the vouchers have restrictions where they can be spent, the better off will spend the money on food or similar and use the savings on - guess what? - Amazon goodies or similar, which will not stimulate the Jersey economy.
Pictured: After using the voucher, some may choose to spend their 'savings' online instead of locally.
A better use of the money to get the economy moving would be to covid test all islanders twice with a gap between tests. This would give more confidence to the public.
It is noted that the Treasury Minister is reducing the GST exception on overseas purchases from £240 to £135. The purchasers can simply split shipments and avoid paying the GST tax. The result is that island retailers will not receive any help which the government is pretending they are giving.
Instead of "tinkering", the Minister should do away with any reduction in GST for all inward shipments. The shippers should have to register and charge GST on all imported items and pay monthly on a statement. The capability is already there. Anyone who does not register will have their goods returned. If someone does not want to register, they should be barred from selling for delivery to Jersey.
Pictured: Why not test all islanders for covid to build confidence?
The Treasury Minister should go further and not allow sales where the 20% UK VAT or similar charged is not deducted from the purchases. This will benefit all islanders by reducing their purchase costs by the sellers VAT.
An example is SKY, which is charging VAT on their services unless the customer challenges the charge and not paying the GST, which robs the Jersey Treasury.
If overseas individuals are not registered, they can prepay GST and be issued with a GST number allowing the import.
Pictured: We need to rethink GST on shipments.
There will also be savings in clearance times and GST staffing plus quicker and less costly clearing costs.
Bill White
Les Genets, Le Mont de Rozel
