Major States debate on economic growth

Saturday 16th April 2005, 12:00AM BST.

PLANS to promote a new cycle of economic growth in Jersey come to the States next week in a debate of major importance for the Island’s future direction.

The Economic Development Committee’s growth plan, aimed at increasing the economy by two per cent a year above inflation, generating a possible £20m a year in tax revenues, includes a number of schemes for helping new businesses and training the workforce.

The plan could see loans guaranteed for small businesses, wealthy residents being drafted in to help new companies and new moves to make sure schools and colleges teach the kind of skills that are needed in the workplace.

Economic Development will take their £2.7 million plan to the States on Tuesday, in the face of a mixed response from the business community.

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