Over the last five years Economic Development (EDD) has issued a number of policies promoting the building of another very large supermarket in the Island. Members will be aware we have always had serious concerns about the idea, not because we wanted to protect a couple of big members (who are more than able to look after themselves) but because of the likely impact on the rest of the island community. We believe that the arrival of a huge hypermarket would be:
Bad for our economy.
Bad for consumer choice, almost certainly representing another nail in the coffin of our markets.
Bad for our High Street.
Bad for the environment.
Bad for village life.
Bad for small business Bad for Government tax revenues
All for claimed consumer benefits that have not been quantified.
The retail Framework is supported by a strong economic efficiency argument from Jersey’s economic adviser so we decided that the best way forward was to have that advice reviewed by Professor Paul Dobson who is Professor of Competition Economics at Loughborough University. Professor Dobson raised serious concerns about the advice EDD has been given and says
“On reviewing the economic advice provided, I have found the analysis to be neither sufficiently objective nor sufficiently balanced. I have also found that the analysis has ignored significant contemporary research that counters or contradicts many of the arguments advanced. As such, I do not consider the economic advice in its current form to be adequate or suitable for the purpose of providing appropriate support for the Retail Framework 2010 policy document”
I would urge you to read both the original economic advice from Government and Professor Dobson’s review and make your own mind up. Chamber maintains its position that EDD’s latest version of the Retail Framework should also be withdrawn. Kevin Keen Chairman Retail & Supply Committee