THE creation of a new population register is a golden opportunity to create efficiencies within the States, according to technology specialists.

Members of the Jersey branch of the British Computer Society say that the new register could act as a link between the 200 or so States databases which currently exist, without compromising data protection.

The Jersey Names and Address Index, if implemented, is intended to monitor migration and balance the Island’s economic growth and demands on infrastructure and resources.

The proposals were put out for consultation in December and closed on 15 February. A findings report is due to be published later this month.

BCS committee member Stephen Chiang explained that the new register would provide a ‘thin’ database containing just the name, contact details and a unique person identity number. ‘This thin database could link the estimated 200 other States databases, centralising maintenance and improving efficiency and accuracy,’ he said.