Jersey's ports become 'fully incorporated'

The States of Jersey have agreed to make the island's ports "fully incorporated" today, a move that will allow them to be run like a business, while remaining under the States' ownership.

The legislation passed today will see the airport, and sea ports, integrated, so that they operate as one business.

It's hoped the move will allow decision to be made more quickly, without needing to be passed through the States, and that this will help business.

The vote passed 31-4.

Politicians will be debating plans to incorporate the Ports of Jersey, in the States later today.

They would remain States owned, but would be more commercially minded and independent of political control.

Doug Bannister, CEO of Jersey Ports, says the changes will be good for business:

The Ports of Jersey could become a fully incorporated body today, meaning it will operate like a private business whilst still ultimately being government owned.

The States are due to debate draft legislation for the incorporation of the island's air and sea ports and could give the go-ahead for ownership by a publicly owned company.

The merging of the bailiwick's airport and harbours will see them still owned by the States, but run independent of political control on a more commercial basis.

Ministers say the change is needed because costs are set to rise faster than revenues.

If passed it would mean decisions and improvements to the sites could be made much more quickly, without having to pass through the States.

Other issues set to be debated in the States today include extending the island's discrimination law to include sexual discrimination and the banning of smoking in cars with passengers under the age of 18.