Jayne Ozanne

Manifesto

My Priorities

Create Equal Opportunity  

• Encourage younger islanders to stay in Guernsey with a Savings Deposit Property Scheme
• Propose legislation that provides adequate safeguards and support for the most vulnerable
• Agree a Key Worker Retention Plan to improve consistency across our essential services

Re-establish our Social Contract 

• Rebuild trust and respect in politics by improving accountability and communication
• Work proactively in partnership with both the private and third sectors
• Introduce means-testing to ensure fair access to health and social care services.

Increase our Resilience 

• Re-establish a balanced workforce, ensuring a more even spread of both ages and skills
• Leverage our island’s unique financial and physical strengths to deliver economic growth 
• Protect critical infrastructure and improve resilience of our core travel routes 

Younger Islanders 

You are our life blood, without whom our island will fail to function.  You are not just our future but our present too.  We therefore need a strategy that focuses on helping you know that Guernsey is where you can build your home.

1. Housing Guernsey should have adequate and affordable housing, so that home ownership becomes a reality for younger islanders. To support this, I want to give you the choice to use the first 10 years of your secondary pension contributions - matched by your employer - for a house deposit to enable you to buy your first house. 
2. Education The world is changing and so are the skills you need to navigate the future.  I want to introduce a Key Worker Retention Plan for teachers, so you have consistent support in developing these skills.  You may want to go off-island for a while, which is great, but I want to make sure Guernsey is a place you want to come back to when you’re ready – as we need you and your skills.
3. Environment The impact of climate change is going to affect your generation the most.  I believe Guernsey is a prime location for renewable energy and a place to farm bio-diverse products.  I believe we should also explore new sustainable forms of housing – encouraging fresh innovative approaches.

Working Households 

Budgets are stretched to capacity for far too many of us. In-work poverty means many rely on food banks to get through the month.  What is more, our high cost of living negates any benefit our low taxes may afford!

1. Housing Owning or renting a house is currently a pipedream for many.  The housing crisis is directly related to scarcity of viable land.  The housing crisis is directly related to scarcity of viable land and the availability of skilled labour.  It’s time for the States to address this head on and find creative ways of working with landowners and developers to build more homes and better utilise our housing stock.
2. Economic Growth We have the talent, wisdom, skills and experience to grow our economy and create new industries, leveraging our unique strength – we’ve done it many times before.  This requires a fair and competitive tax system that removes unfair tax caps and provides targeted support to the vulnerable in ways that mitigate the cost of living.   
3. Connectivity Travelling on/off the island has become highly unpredictable, impacting our holiday, business and medical travel plans.  It is also prohibitively expensive for many.  Whilst disruptions are inevitable, we need better resilience, consumer service and communication to protect our island’s reputation.

Retired Islanders

The island, like the world, is changing fast - I want you to feel assured that your future is safe in Guernsey, that we will look after you and ensure you have the help and health care you need.

1. Housing Many of you would like to downsize but cannot due to lack of suitable housing, so you risk becoming asset rich and cash poor.  I am committed to finding solutions, such as linking you with keyworkers who we could vet for you and who are in need of a room.
2. Health Care Access to healthcare at the point of need is still too high a cost for many, particularly those who need to see a GP or go to A&E.  The ideas set out in the Partnership of Purpose Plan should be revisited and a form of means testing considered.
3. Social Care Many of you worry about who will be there to help look after you in your later years.  I will strive to ensure there are appropriate standards of care to protect you at home and in the community, and sufficient care providers to manage the rising demand.

My Values & Experience – Compassionate Courage

I care about those in our society who are so often overlooked and unheard.  That is why I have recently helped to set up EnrichED to give students studying at the Guernsey Institute the best possible start in life.  It’s also why I previously set up three international charities, including my own Ozanne Foundation, and have held senior positions with many other international charities.  

I consider the evidence relating to problems and seek out those with specific expertise.  That is why I have recently met with over a hundred islanders to listen to how they believe we best meet the challenges facing the island.  I was fortunate to have been educated in Guernsey before continuing my studies in first Cambridge and then Oxford.  I am currently a Research Fellow at Oxford University, whilst studying to become an Advocate.  I have a strong business background having worked in international marketing with Procter & Gamble, Kimberly Clark and the BBC.  

I challenge abuses of power and policies that fail to protect the vulnerable, which is why I was glad to become an Equality Guernsey Ambassador.  It is also why I have served as an adviser to both the UK and Welsh Governments and have addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council.  My preferred way of delivering change is through building a ‘Coalition of the Willing’ amongst senior leaders, which is how I have worked over the years in Westminster and the Church of England.