By Michael Morris,States Members

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MINISTERS have outlined their Budget for next year – with major investment in capital projects, extra funding for nursery provision, cheaper pints in pubs and the introduction of a vaping tax among the key proposals.

There are also moves to introduce charges for patients who attend the Emergency Department when they could go to their GP and a £55 fee for missing outpatient appointments.

The Budget also seeks approval for a Jersey Capital Investment Fund, which the government first proposed last month when it launched its ‘Investing in Jersey’ programme, which sets out a long-term capital plan and ring-fenced source of funding.

Some of the main proposals include:

£1 billion of investment in buildings, infrastructure, IT and new hospital over the next four years, including £308m next year – more than treble the amount spent this year.

£381m of spending in healthcare, up by almost a fifth on last year

A £550 increase in the personal tax threshold to £21,250

1p increase on a can of beer but the introduction of ‘tap relief’ – meaning that duty on a pint of beer or cider sold from containers of ten litres or more will reduce by 5.4 pence per pint.

£43m investment in Fort Regent next year, which will come from borrowing

£3m to fund free nursery places for two- to three-year-olds

An extra 80p of duty on a pack of 20 cigarettes

The introduction of a vaping tax of £2 per 10 ml of liquid

A 1% reduction in the higher rate of stamp duty on non-main residence

Treasury Minister Elaine Millar said: “The Budget puts Islanders first – investing in the health, education and wellbeing of our children and families.

“We are building a modern healthcare system that meets the needs of Islanders today and tomorrow.

“We’re backing Jersey’s economy – investing in the competitiveness of our Island and protecting household budgets.”

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham added that the financial plan was a “Budget for stability” by prioritising saving made by curbing growth in the public sector “into the frontline services that Islanders rely on most”.

He added: “Despite global uncertainty and lower-than-expected income in 2024, this Budget sets out a clear and responsible strategy: controlling the growth of public spending, reducing our reliance on external consultants, and directing investment towards health, education, infrastructure, and economic resilience.”

The Budget is due to be debated by States Members in December.

Full coverage and reaction in Wednesday’s JEP.