Senators

Chris Perkins

Chris Perkins has worked in education, finance and the environment. He is the former chair of pressure group Concern and supports a public inquiry into the proposed incinerator.

Mr Perkins doesn't think population growth is the answer to the problems caused by an ageing society.

Manifesto

I’ve campaigned for many years chiefly on environmental issues, and like most Jersey residents I’ve witnessed the gradual destruction of our environment and our heritage.

Ministers talk about keeping Jersey special but I’ve realised my view, and indeed most people’s views, of what is special about our island differs from that of the ministers.

I know that as an ordinary Jersey man, with a job and a family, I can listen to and represent the people of our island and challenge some of the destructive policies that are being pursued by the present government.

For instance the current policy to grow the economy and combat our ageing society through continuous population growth is wrong. It will not solve the problem of an ageing society, indeed it will only create greater problems for the next generation to solve.

Government should address the issue through a combination of fair taxes, social security contributions and an increased retirement age.

Similarly economic growth could be maintained through the outsourcing of lower value jobs and greater productivity not through continuous population growth.

The reforms recommended by the Clothier Report have been cherry picked so that a government that was once criticised for being encumbered by the democratic process is now seen by many as an oligarchy; remote and disinterested in the views of the electorate.

The Clothier Report should be re-examined with a view to adopting many more of its recommendations. These should include, for instance, fewer States members. I would be willing to put my job on the line for the sake of democracy. Why haven’t the current members done so already?

I support Constable Crowcroft’s proposal to hold a public enquiry into the incinerator; it’s completely unnecessary.

GST should be removed from food, as an alternative we should look at the possibility of GST on luxury goods.

A capital gains tax on the sale of properties that are not the family home would generate revenue for the island and slow the increase in house prices.

We should introduce a series of environmental taxes coupled with financial incentives to make this island a world leader in sustainability.

Sports facilities should be free to all students.

There should be more emphasis on vocational study and apprenticeships for those who do not wish to follow an academic career.

Our young people should have places where they can meet and relax, they should not become problems to be moved on.

In summary, the serving ministers should not progress automatically back into government. I can provide part of the much needed fresh blood of new States members who will listen to the people and remain true to their manifestos.