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As part of Ģ������Ƶ Jersey’s special ‘Ageing’ series we’ve been speaking with the young and the old about their hopes and concerns for the future.

Some of the issues raised throughout the week were put to the Minister for Economic Development, Senator Philip Ozouf, who is one of the politicians responsible for developing the strategy.

Headway charity worker Andrew Green is calling for more homes for disabled people and the Senator said that he was in “absolute agreement”.

Senator Ozouf believes that Jersey has “a proud record of looking after people” who require extra help and he agrees that a percentage of new build accommodation should be put aside for special needs.

He also thinks that it is important that ample support is provided for carers such as respite services.

He emphasises that it is “only as a result of a successful economy that we can have the resources to provide that necessary assistance for people”.

One of the main concerns of youngsters was the environment and the damage that humans do to it.

Senator Ozouf ensured that if sea levels rise as predicted by global warming then Jersey’s sea defences are perfectly adequate so that the island will not be in danger.

In regards to general environment concerns he admitted that “we need to do better” and that the Planning and Environment department’s Eco-Active plan will go some way to making the island “less burdensome on the environment”.

He believes that investing in public transport and reducing the island’s energy requirement by building homes that use less energy will make the island a greener place for future generations.

Senator Ozouf explained that increasing property prices was “an unintended consequence of high levels of economic growth and rising prosperity”.

However, he believes that the States current efforts to introduce new schemes such as shared equity will make property purchasing more manageable for islanders:

“I believe the goal of home ownership should be something that everybody can aspire to in Jersey, but we need innovate policies to be able to do that.”

Get involved

As part of the consultation process there's a survey which anyone can take part in.

It asks what people like best about living in Jersey, and what the States priorities should be in the coming years.

You can get the survey forms from the states website, parish halls, libraries, the states book shop, Cyril le Marquand House and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Over to you…

What are your greatest concerns for the future of the island?

What do you think should be done to ease the burden of an increasingly ageing population?

How would you like Jersey to be run in 2035? Share your views with us.