Elaine Millar – Manifesto

Who am I?

I was elected as a Deputy for St John, St Lawrence and Trinity in June 2022.  Since then, I have been Minister for Treasury and Resources, Assistant Minster for External Relations and Financial Services, Minister for Social Security and Assistant Chief Minister for Financial Services.

I have lived in Jersey since 1996.  I had a successful career in law and financial services for over 30 years.  I was a Jersey Advocate and the first woman to hold the office of Viscount.

I think analytically and clearly, make sound, forward-looking decisions and aim to find workable solutions to problems.  I have energy, drive and determination. 

My highlights as a States’ member are:

  • Bringing the proposition that reinstated the role of Senator
  • Supporting the recent work to ensure our Financial Services sector continues to thrive
  • Reducing the cost of GP visits by £20 in 2023
  • Increasing the asset limit for Pension Plus, so more pensioners can claim it, and increasing its value
  • Promoting prudent spending of Government funds.

 

Why vote for me?

I am standing for election as a Senator.  When I stood for election in 2022, I said: “we are in a period of great uncertainty and volatility…. We need politicians who can think clearly, make brave decisions and deliver positive and effective outcomes for the people of Jersey”.  Those words are as relevant today as they were in 2022. 

For many, Jersey is a wonderful place to live: safe, beautiful and with a strong sense of community – but for others it is a struggle.  We face clear and inter-connected challenges: managing the cost of living, particularly childcare and housing, ensuring the continued success of the financial services sector, boosting the wider economy and enabling local businesses to thrive.  It is vital that we control public spending and take meaningful action to address the changes in our population.  We need to respond to climate change in a way that protects Jersey’s resilience, now and for years to come. 

Taken together, delivering on these priorities will make Jersey a place where everyone can have a good quality of life and a positive future.

It is more important than ever that we have intelligent, capable and experienced politicians who will take carefully considered, thoughtful and effective action and do what is best for Jersey.

If elected, I will continue working hard to deliver effective, positive and fair outcomes that benefit our community, our economy, our international reputation and our environment.

I have clearly demonstrated the ability, energy and integrity that I promised in 2022 and will continue to put the interests of Jersey first and foremost.

My priorities

If elected as a Senator, my main focus will be to promote policies and initiatives that:

Support local business and promote economic growth by:

  • Ensuring the Financial Services sector continues to thrive and succeed in an increasingly competitive global market.
  • Helping all local businesses develop and grow by limiting red tape and complex regulation.
  • Considering the economic impact on businesses of any new and amended laws.
  • Facilitating private sector investment in Jersey and promoting entrepreneurship.

Address the cost of living by:

  • Supporting the households that struggle most with the cost of living.
  • Increasing support for childcare – one of the biggest costs facing families.
  • Taking steps to facilitate and increase housebuilding by private developers.
  • Monitoring the impact of recent laws on the supply of rental property and rents.
  • Maintaining our low rates of tax.

Control Government spending by:

  • Returning to multi-year budgeting for Government, to restrain growth in spending.
  • Continuing to limit the use of expensive consultants and agency/temporary employees.
  • Improving efficiency and reducing internal bureaucracy.
  • Resisting the establishment of more delivery bodies, regulators and commissioners.

Respond to our changing population by:

  • Ensuring that older people are supported and feel valued and respected.
  • Encouraging young people who leave Jersey for education, training and work to return with skills and experience, to build lives in the Island.
  • Reviewing our laws on housing and work to ensure that they reflect our modern needs.
  • Planning carefully for future services, such as healthcare, education and housing.
  • Supporting appointment of a Minister with specific responsibility for our future population and its needs.

Protect our environment and respond to climate change:

  • Ensuring that Jersey’s beautiful natural environment is preserved.
  • Targeting our spending to protect Jersey from climate change and ensure its resilience, by enhancing sea defences and ensuring continued, sustainable supply of water and energy.
  • Promoting climate friendly transport, building and energy.

Having been Treasury Minister and Minister for Social Security, and having had a long professional career in Jersey, I am well-placed to address the challenges facing us now.   I will focus on a positive future for Jersey and ensure it continues to be a place where people want to live in the long term.  If we are to provide good public services and support our community, we need an economy that is diverse, successful and gives opportunities for all to thrive.  

I really do hope that you will vote for me as one of your Senators. 

 

Voting

The return of the role of Senator means that you have real and direct influence over who sits in the next Assembly.   It is so important that you vote in this election and make sure that your voice is heard.  Every vote really does matter and voting is the best way of expressing your opinion and affecting how the Island is governed.

You should already be registered to vote but you can check this with your Parish Hall.  If you are unable to vote on 7 June, you can apply for a postal vote or vote early in the Pre-poll in St Helier – please see www.vote.je.