Government launches Investing In Jersey programme

The programme aims to address some of the Island’s most pressing challenges including the high cost of housing, ageing infrastructure and the need to invest in future generations.

“The Investing in Jersey programme reflects this Council of Ministers’ commitment to long-term planning, responsible investment and fairness for future generations.” said Chief Minister, Deputy Lyndon Farnham (pictured). “The programme focuses on what matters most – homes, schools, community spaces and essential services, which means we can support families, create new opportunities for all Islanders and protect the unique character of our Island.

“We currently face significant challenges, but we also have a real opportunity to shape a future that rebuilds confidence, inspires the next generation, and ensures our Island remains a place we’re proud to call home.”

The initiative will be underpinned by the newly established Jersey Capital Investment Fund, designed to protect key infrastructure projects from short-term political pressures and economic volatility. This ringfenced fund will ensure stable, long-term financing for major capital projects.

Key priorities set out in the programme include:

• More affordable homes for Islanders – The plan will increase the supply of affordable homes, particularly for tenants and first-time buyers. New developments will be planned to meet the needs of families, key workers and older Islanders.
• Modern schools, improved youth facilities, and a new further and higher education campus – including a modernisation programme of all States schools, expansion and improvement of youth services and facilities, and the relocation of Highlands College to a new site in central St Helier.
• Forward looking infrastructure – Investment will focus on improving roads and expanding the mains water and drainage networks. The plan also includes long-term water security measures, including PFAS treatment, as well as upgrades to sea defences, flood protection and essential public buildings used for care, emergency services and service delivery.
• Community focused spaces, play areas and sports facilities – including revitalised parks and gardens, upgraded play areas for children, modernised sports facilities, and support for the 2035 Island Games.
• A structured capital fund to strengthen fiscal planning – a ringfenced, protected fund to ensure future investment is properly planned and safeguarded. Funding will come from general revenue and existing capital budgets, reprioritisation of spending and, where beneficial, carefully managed borrowing – all underpinned by Jersey’s strong financial rules.

Deputy Farnham said: “This is the first time Jersey has brought together a comprehensive, long-term, capital investment programme for the whole Island. It marks a significant step forward. Investing in Jersey is about making the right decisions today so that future generations can thrive.

Treasury Minister, Deputy Elaine Millar, commented: “Investing in Jersey is about long-term thinking, disciplined planning and responsible use of public funds. The Jersey Capital Investment Fund will ensure we can deliver key projects without the uncertainty of short-term politics. It’s about prioritising what matters most to Islanders, homes, schools, infrastructure and public spaces, and providing stable funding to make that happen.

Housing Minister – Deputy Sam Mézec: “Access to secure, affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing Islanders today. Through Investing In Jersey, we are delivering new homes that meet the real needs of our community – from family housing to key worker accommodation and downsizer options. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about giving people the chance to build a life here in Jersey, with dignity, security and opportunity.”

Education Minister, Deputy Rob Ward added: “Every child deserves to learn in a safe, modern and inspiring environment. Investing In Jersey will deliver a full refurbishment of every school and a new Further and Higher Education campus at the heart of St Helier. This is about giving young people the opportunities they need to thrive and making Jersey a place where education is truly first-class – inside and outside the classroom.”

A spokesperson from Highlands College commented: “Highlands College welcomes the Investing in Jersey Plan and the opportunity to future-proof Further and Higher Education on-island. We are encouraged by the Government of Jersey’s recognition of Highlands College in its long-term vision and are proud to play a central role in building a more inclusive, skilled, and innovative future for Jersey.

“The plan’s commitment to delivering a central Further and Higher Education campus reflects the essential role education plays in Jersey’s long-term economic and social success. The proposal to begin developing a new, purpose-built campus between 2028 and 2032 is a vital step forward, one we fully support.

“Ensuring full accessibility in the new campus is fundamental to our commitment to inclusion. It will create a welcoming, safe, and dignified environment for all learners, fully reflecting one of our core values.

“A new campus will also provide the space, facilities, and flexibility required to meet the island’s growing and evolving education needs. By creating a better integrated Further and Higher Education environment in the centre of St Helier, learners and employers alike will benefit from improved access, enhanced collaboration, and increased opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and community-based projects that promote lifelong learning and technological advancement.”

The Jersey Chamber of Commerce President Lee Madden commented: “We fully support the principle of long-term, coordinated investment. This plan sets out a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring Jersey’s infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of our community and economy. However, ambition must be matched by delivery. Our members are asking the same questions the public will be: how will this be paid for, and will it be delivered on time?”

While the Chamber welcomes the Government’s ambition, it has called for clarity on the timeline and the mechanisms to ensure the plan is not delayed or diluted in the run-up to the June 2026 elections.

“We support this initiative, but that support must be conditional,” said Vice-President Eliot Lincoln. “Funding must be fair and proportionate, and delivery must continue beyond this political term. If the Government wants the trust of the business community, it must demonstrate transparency, delivery milestones and safeguards, and its funding not continue to add to the burden of doing business in Jersey that has increased significantly in the last two years.”

The Chamber notes the potential economic value in securing a reliable investment pipeline that supports local business confidence, construction capacity and workforce planning. It is also supportive of measures to address the housing crisis and educational investment. However, it raises concerns about potential hidden tax increases, the sustainability of any additional borrowing and the ongoing need to ensure our government spends its income wisely and it is sized appropriately.

“This is a welcome step, but we urge Government not to lose momentum,” added Chamber CEO Murray Norton. “Let’s get moving, avoid prevarication, and strike a fair balance between ambition and affordability.”

Ana and Marcus Calvani, Co-CEOs of the Jersey Hospitality Association commented: “This plan is not about Government building hotels, it’s about Government finally building confidence. If Jersey wants a thriving visitor economy, it must first deliver the infrastructure that enables private sector investment.

“While we strongly support this document’s content and its direction, the success of this vision will depend entirely on competent, accountable leadership. As we approach the 2026 elections, Islanders must vote for those who understand the scale and urgency of the economic challenge we face, and who are ready to hold the public sector to account for delivery.”