JCRA Chief Calls For Competition Laws In Jersey

by Robin Pilgrim, for LawAndTax-News.com, London

26 August 2003

Speaking following the release of figures which show that Jersey is some 22% more expensive as a location than the United Kingdom, chief executive of the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA), Charles Latham, has announced that the introduction of competition laws to the Island is now imperative.

According to a report from the Jersey Insight news service, Mr Latham explained that the creation of such legislation would give his organisation the proper legal framework to probe for the existence of price fixing arrangements and cartels amongst the jurisdiction's business community, which may be making Jersey more expensive for businesses and individuals.

In earlier statements, speaking with especial regard to the liberalisation of the telecommunications and postal services sectors, the JCRA has announced that:

'Introducing competition has the potential to lead to important improvements in efficiency, productivity and innovation within both sectors with consequences for overall economic welfare and growth in Jersey.' It went on to add that:

'Although there is no economic reason for delaying the enactment and enforcement of competition law, the JCRA's gradual approach through consultation should facilitate an open and frank exchange of views on the process for the determination of licences on the Island.'

The organisation has recently completed a consultation on its plans for the coming years, which include licencing all telecoms systems, licensing postal services, and regulating other utility sectors.

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