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