Chancellor to lift the gloom?

Tuesday 2nd December 2008, 2:58PM GMT.

TREASURY Minister Terry Le Sueur is expected to give an upbeat take on Jersey’s economic future and the global financial crisis in his Budget speech later today.

In what could be the last Budget speech of his States career, the Senator – who will be a candidate to replace Senator Frank Walker as Chief Minister in less than a week – is expected to cite Jersey’s lack of debt and deficits, and strong reserves as reasons for optimism.

This week’s sitting will be the last time the current line-up of States Members meet. Just over a quarter of the seats in the States, 14 out of 53, will change hands next week, but not before the current line-up debate next year’s tax proposals. The Budget will set proposals to recoup up to £650m from Islanders and companies over the course of next year.

Pictured: Senator Terry Le Sueur

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