08/10/2013 BBC Channel Islands News

Good evening and welcome to this BBC looking at what Jersey's Budget

Thousands of low and middle income earners set to be better off as

Jersey's Treasury Minister cuts income tax rates. This budget is

designed to give something back income tax rates. This budget is

the vast majority of taxpaying public. 84% of people who pay tax in

Jersey will see their tax cut. £250 million to be borrowed to pay

future? Why millions is going to be taken out of the islands rainy day

massive spending plans, but Jersey's Treasury Minister says it does all

add up. Today, Senator Philip Ozouf presented his budget to the States

and, unlike other years, there was plenty for members to cheer. His

main proposals include: Income tax cuts for low and middle income

earners. Borrowing £250 million cuts for low and middle income

pay for new and re—furbished social million from the rainy day fund

pay for new and re—furbished social new hospitals in St Helier. In a

moment, I'll be asking the Treasury Minister if he's got his sums right,

and we'll look more closely at plans for better social housing and new

hospitals. But first Clare Burton explains how the tax cuts and tax

Last year's budget was dubbed by the "boring." This year's is anything

but, especially if you're among "boring." This year's is anything

84% of islanders earning under about £60,000 a year. They'll be paying

around £800 less income tax next year. And that's pretty interesting.

Hurray! That would be most people 's reaction. It's good, get more people

voting as well. That's good for reaction. It's good, get more people

I think we should be paying less tax. Jersey is the worst attacks. It

will be better for us. Great! But they will get it back in another

way, won't they? They'll take it back in another way. There's good

news for parents paying for children at university. Their tax allowance

is going up to £9,000, saving them over £700 per child per year. And in

another change for families, by over £700 per child per year. And in

married couples won't be taxed together but independently. Now

married couples won't be taxed the tax rises. Duty is going up

married couples won't be taxed all the usual suspects. By 11% on

spirits and strong beer and cider, follows warnings from the health

treating alcohol—related illness. Wines are going up, too, by 5%,

treating alcohol—related illness. are weaker beers, adding 2p to a

pint. Health arguments again behind an increase in tobacco duty, up

pint. Health arguments again behind 11%, putting about 47p on a packet

of 20 cigarettes. And fuel's going up a bit, too, by 2%, or 1p a litre

of unleaded petrol. Why do the drinkers and smokers have to pay for

everything? It's nothing to do with them, is it? It's a lot of money and

it's going to hit you. Hit the working class man for his pleasure.

Fuel is going up, thank you very much for that. You've done us a

Well, those duty rises alone won't cover the income tax giveaway. But

if Senator Ozouf has got his figures right, there'll be more money in

your pocket, and if you spend it within the island, it could boost an

economy that's been languishing within the island, it could boost an

recession for five years. And that really is the holy political grail.

As well as changes to tax, the big improving the treatment of sewage

and building a new hospital. The total bill is £625 million. Some of

that money will be borrowed, some will come from the rainy day fund,

and some from current spending. will come from the rainy day fund,

moment, Christina Ghidoni looks will come from the rainy day fund,

the idea for a new hospital but first Tim Robinson looks at the

Tuning in to Radio Jersey to hear how the budget statement will affect

him. Ray's lived in social housing in Le Squez since 2005. And, like so

many social tenants, he's seen the buildings decay and decline for

years. There has been no work of any importance done on these places

years. There has been no work of any quite a long time. I don't know

whether they were left to go because the plans were to knock them down

and build new, or what. Ray lives in one of the 1,225 social houses in

Jersey which don't currently meet the minimum decent homes standard.

So one announcement in today's budget definitely caught his ear.

£250m for the housing department to renovating every single one of its

below par properties. And build renovating every single one of its

new social houses. Families on the waiting list for a States' home

new social houses. Families on the have listened eagerly to that news,

and there are plenty of them. I have listened eagerly to that news,

banned what —— on band one and two, people virtually homeless, living

significant medical requirements, it is about 800. This is good news

significant medical requirements, it them because it enables us to get on

and do the job. Some building is already under way, but the States

will have to approve the borrowing of the funding, if the plan to help

provide a decent home for all is to This is what Jersey's new £300

million hospital could look like. Bigger, brighter and based on two

sites with patients getting their own single rooms. The existing town

hospital would be rebuilt with new operating theatres and better wards

for accident and emergency, children and maternity. Overdale on Westmount

will be for routine appointments with no overnight stays here. These

six—bedded wards are set to become a thing of the past. There's not much

privacy, hardly any dignity and hospital now. But in the future

patients could have their own single room and bathroom. With a curtain

between two patients, there are odours that get passed along, up and

wouldn't want to. The lack of sleep, sleep, if someone is very sick and

we have to attend to them very much, the other patients aren't

going to get much sleep. The current the ageing population means pressure

for hospital beds is growing. The number of people on the island that

are going to be over 65 is going to double by 2040 which is going to put

huge demands on the health service. We are already seeing that in the

winter months which will get worse. We will have all people needing

acute services so we have to provide more capacity. Building work would

be done in phases so the hospital could still keep running. But the

vision is that in ten years time all patients will be treated in a modern

hospital which is cleaner, quieter Well, of course all of these plans

are just proposals tonight. Jersey's government will debate the budget in

Commonwealth finance ministers' meeting in Washington and began

Commonwealth finance ministers' asking him what he hoped this budget

would achieve. For the last five position, budget which has cut

spending and increase taxes. We position, budget which has cut

beginning to see growth returning in the Major economies of the world and

we are beginning to see signs of economic growth in Jersey. This

budget is designed to give something back to them fast majority of the

taxpaying public in Jersey. 84% back to them fast majority of the

people will see a tax cut. We are targeting relief for parents with

children at university, we are putting some increases on duties,

and we are setting out for the hospital paid for from the strategic

reserve and borrowing for housing, securing long—term interest rates

for investment in Jersey housing stock. It is a very positive picture

of a Jersey's housing future. We have been in recession, we've seen

the economy shrink, we have seen unemployment go up. You are now

whether it is you trying to be re—elected next year. This is not

the election nearing. This is about investing in Jersey's long—term

future. Most ministers presenting their budgets or nay year—end starts

in January are dealing with a legacy of debt and deficit. We've make

tough decisions in Jersey and now with confidence returning in terms

of the financial services industry and the economy, that is certainly

going to be a picture that we can only use for the benefit of the

future. The budgets of the last only use for the benefit of the

years haven't been popular and this will be a more popular budget,

giving something back. The economy is still shrinking, though, so what

has changed this year as opposed to last year? This is not spend but

departments to make substantial last year? This is not spend but

in their spending and we've taken £60 million out of the recurring

costs of Jersey, and there is more spending efficiencies and more cuts

is to come in terms of transferring efficiencies in economy, and putting

them into front—line services. generation, but we must remember the

amount of people in work, not just in the public sector payroll, also

in the public —— private sector in the public sector payroll, also

at an all—time high. We do have in the public sector payroll, also

interest rates. We haven't got a structural problem with the economy.

projection which is more positive as interest rates start returning.

Drinkers and smokers are being hit this year but taxes for the middle

and low income earners are changing. Is it a case of moving the tax

burden from one to another? Not really. We are proposing some duty

increases, a penny on a litre of fuel, 2p on the so—called working

unexplained differential in the commodities in Jersey. The Treasury

calculation is indicate that a working man's pint, that is 84p

calculation is indicate that a in Jersey than it is in the UK.

calculation is indicate that a will have a debate with the alcohol

and the tobacco lobby on why it will have a debate with the alcohol

commodities are so high. These are modest duty increases but they are

necessary. Overall, this is an Guernsey's budget for 2014 comes out

tomorrow. Last year's contained rises on fuel, alcohol and tobacco,

as well as the proposed scrapping of mortgage interest relief that was

eventually reversed. Senior figures in the island's business community

are calling for a cautious budget. We've got to make sure there is

are calling for a cautious budget. increased costs for businesses.

are calling for a cautious budget. streamlined production in government

spending to make sure that what streamlined production in government

spend in taxes we spent correctly And details of the budget will be

released at midnight, so the best place to find out what it means

you is with David Earl Good evening. We've got a little bit more time

before we need to dig out that extra layer. It is a slow process, very

muddy at the moment, but it does tomorrow. There are a few showers

dotted around and also becoming breezy, especially by the end of the

day. We are losing the area of high pressure, moving back out into the

Atlantic. This first or the system doesn't have much on it but it keeps

is relatively mild tonight, and doesn't have much on it but it keeps

moves through tomorrow morning. doesn't have much on it but it keeps

a second line, introducing the cold air, will push through to the end of

position, we get into northerly winds and cold air. Thursday is

position, we get into northerly tonight, some patchy rain by the end

of the night. Overnight temperatures no lower than 11 or 12. Tomorrow, a

brightness. The second line of showers coming in towards the end of

the afternoon. That opens the door tomorrow down on what we have seen.

Also feeling colder because it gets windy, especially by the early

For those servers, likely to be choppy, if not messy, especially

towards the end of the afternoon. The Northwest breeze continues.

towards the end of the afternoon. outlook, brighter on Thursday,

feeling colder, then turning damp and quite windy and cold as we head

into the weekend. That is all from Into autumn we go. Let me know what

you think about Jersey 's budget proposals by tweeting me. I am back

to be taking part in the Horse of the Year Show.

A bitter row has erupted over a planned development on the outskirts

of Truro. The City Council is being accused of wasting taxpayers money

fighting the plans. But the local authority has hit back, accusing the

development company of "emotional blackmail'" Spotlight's Rebecca

Wills has the story. This site on the outskirts of Truro

has become a battlefield in the war of words which has broken out

between the company which wants to develop it and Truro City Council,

which is seeking a legal challenge to the outline planning permission

granted a few months ago. Back in July, Cornwall Council approved an

application from the company for 1,500 new homes, a primary school,

care Village, community centre, hotel and 600 space extension to

three mile —— park and ride. But the council is now seeking a judicial ——

would judicial review of the scheme. I think they are using emotional

blackmail, because they are trying to get everybody in tribute to

believe we could be missing out on affordable housing. We want to see

that, we want to see it in Truro, not in green fields were —— miles

away from anything. The company declined to be interviewed, but in a

statement the company said: there was a mixed reaction to the

plans. Who has got the money in this day and age to go out and pay for

them? I don't think it is a bad thing it is being developed, as long

as the infrastructure is there. That road is always busy enough as it is.

The traffic problem will be the main thing. You put more homes on that,

1,500 homes is virtually 3,000 cars. But these opening salvos

between developer and council could be just wasted words. The judge has

yet to decide whether that are grounds for a judicial review. That

decision is pending. As austerity measures start to bite,

one area of the South West is set to lose almost half its public toilets

and all of the council—run CCTV cameras. Teignbridge Council has

decided it can't afford to run these services any more. It's hoping local

groups and parish councils will take them on instead. Our South Devon

reporter John Ayres reports. We all need to spend a penny from

time to time. In Teignbridge it might not be so easy. 17 public

toilets could close if no one comes forward to run them. It is more

important to keep the toilet rather than save a bit of money. You have

the playground over there with lots of small children. It is a right to

be able to go to the toilet. It is a matter of hygiene. Today the council

scrutinised its own decision to stop the funding. It has decided to press

ahead with the cuts. Closing public toilet is an emotive issue. One

councillor held up toilet paper and told councillors to bring them ——

bring their own. And it was not just toilets. The

plug could also be pulled on CCTV, affecting Newton Abbot in

particular. Its supporters insisted provides vital evidence for the

police. When they turn up, have you got CCTV and there is no CCTV, my

answer would be no, and it will be difficult to get a prosecution. I am

mystified as to whether this decision was taken, and in my view

it is completely the wrong one. The council will not raise council tax.

It is forced to make cuts. We have seen our Government grant shrink

from 49% to little more than 4%. And we have got to take a look at all

our facilities in a measured and sympathetic manner, to see if we can

find any cost savings. This toilet might be saved if the

parish council takes it over. The other toilets and CCTV services will

only survive if other bodies do the same.

A new business park in Plymouth, which could create up to 300 jobs,

has opened its doors to prospective tenants. The Burrington Business

Park is on the former Mother's Pride bakery site which closed last year.

Developers hope to turn it into a thriving centre for up to 40 new

businesses. Scott Bingham reports. Nick has been running his letting

management company for nine years. He currently works from home but is

looking to expand. Today as a prospective tenant he got the first

chance to look around this new business park. Relocating here, he

hopes, will allow him the space to grow and potentially create more

jobs. We have been trying to find a suitable alternative to working from

home. This was just presented to us as an option. We think it will be

good for our clients when they come up here and see us rather than

having to beat for a coffee or come round to the house. This is one of

the huge spaces here. The developers hope once it is refurbished, this

entire site, or 110,000 square feet of it, will be home to around 40

businesses employing some 300 people.

This neighbouring property is already home to 30 small businesses,

and one —— part of the same team snapped up the site next door. It

was perfect for our business model, which is to refurbish to a very high

standard and attract a mixed use of interesting businesses into the

park. Despite the economy, they are confident they can fill the park as

well. It is difficult at the moment, but you have to offer something

different and keep standards that people expect in the commercial

market. This small corner of Plymouth seems to be thriving. A

growing call centre already provides a steady stream of customers to the

snack bar, and they are looking forward to a few more. Is this the

busiest you have seen it? Absolutely, it is growing and

growing. My mother has bought a Mercedes. So business is good?

Honourable lady yes. The business park will feature a free gym to keep

staff in shape, but it might bring, —— competition to. Plans also

include an upmarket coffee bar. Exmouth sailors Stevie Morrison and

Ben Rhodes have announced an end to their 12—year sailing partnership.

The pair, pictured here training in Portland Harbour, race a 49er skiff.

They won the world championships in 2007, but never quite managed an

Olympic medal. They say they now want to explore new opportunities

outside of the Olympic sailing classes.

A young rider from Devon has qualified for the Horse of the Year

Show in Birmingham. Harry Edwards—Brady is, according to his

mum, a natural in the saddle and loves competing. And what's most

remarkable is he's only three years old, as Leigh Rundle reports.

Horses are in Harry's blood. He has loved them ever since he was a few

months old. Now he is off to one of them UK's most big —— prestigious

equestrian events. Are you excited? Yes. When you are three, it is easy

to get distracted, particularly if there are tractors around.

But when it really matters, Harry shines. I was just totally amazed,

and just so, so proud of him. To have done so well that such a young

age in such good competition as well.

Having tasted success at other events around the country, the

toddler is ready for the next stage of his riding career. I've ever

accusations it is a pushy mother behind his success? He would

probably end up going to show every day if he could. He loves competing.

Horses are all very well, but it is good to develop other skills and

keep your career options open. Isn't she cute? He is a star! ——

isn't she cute? Are you putting your heating and

yet? Don't even mention it! There is a change. Colder area is coming our

way. I might put my heating and to keep

the house warm. It turns colder over the next 24 hours. Our risk of

showers tomorrow, and it is the combined effect of lower

temperatures, a bit more of a breeze, so the wind chill will be

more of a feature. Lots of cloud on the satellite picture. This is the

colder air coming down. That clearer sky brings the drop in those

temperatures. At the moment we have a weather system across us. Drizzle

and low cloud a problem this evening, but it will move out of the

way and then we are between weather fronts by the middle of the day

tomorrow. The second of those comes in through the afternoon, early

evening, so by the time we get to tomorrow night it will be much

colder, and by Thursday, a chilly northerly breeze. Temperatures much

lower than they have been this autumn. Looking at that in detail,

it is another drizzly evening with low cloud, mist and fog. It is

beginning to clear though. Becoming drier, still a few fog patches here

and there, and overnight temperatures probably down as low as

ten or 11 degrees. Winds becoming north—westerly, they will freshen up

during the day. That is how the day starts tomorrow, but as we move

through the day we start to see the colder air come in. There will be

sunshine tomorrow around the middle of the day. Showers developing, and

towards the end of the afternoon another line of showers coming out

of south Wales will drift in. Between the two we will see a brisk

north—westerly breeze developing, holding the temperatures down. Last

week we had temperatures of 19 and 20 degrees, for tomorrow 15 or 16 I

think will be the best we can expect. With that brisk North West

wind it will feel quite a bit colder. For the Isles of Scilly, a

few showers and quite breezy. Times of high water.

The surf conditions on the south coast will be quite clean, two to

three feet here, but between four to six feet and quite choppy on the

north coast. The forecast for the coastal waters,

then. The wins north—westerly. —— the wins. Generally very good

visibility out at sea. The forecast for Thursday is bright and drive. A

few showers possible across West Cornwall, similar conditions on

Friday, and then cold, breezy, with some outbreaks of rain for the start

of the weekend. We have been very lucky up until

now. It had to turn colder sometime soon. I don't believe David will put

his heating and yet, he is meaner than I am! Good night.