GST Changes Would Have "Minimal Impact"

The Economic Development Minister says lowering the de minimis level would have ‘minimal impact’ on Jersey’s retail industry.

The idea of cutting it from the current rate of £240 was discussed, but ultimately not included in the 2019 Budget plans.

An e-petition was set up to stop this from happening, which raised enough signatures to provoke a Ministerial response.

Senator Lyndon Farnham says a new retail development strategy he is developing will have a more positive impact on encouraging more people to shop locally:

“The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture opposes lowering the de minimis level at this time. He anticipates that a lower de minimis level would have minimal impact on the prevailing on-Island environment for retail. The Minister is devising a retail development strategy that aims to support the industry’s own efforts to deliver, amongst other things: a thriving St Helier Experience; focused market information; and, leading-edge skills and talent. He anticipates that this work should have a greater positive impact on retail trading conditions than a change in the de minimis level or GST.”

- Ministerial Response to petition