Jersey Postal law delivers free-market message
JERSEY’S mail deliveries are on the road to change from this week as the new draft Postal Services Law is published for consultation.
The proposals set down by the Industries Committee seek to abolish the exclusive privilege of the States, opening up the market to competition. Power to grant licences will be given to the Island’s independent regulator, the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA).
Changes to Jersey Post will be similar to those recently undergone by Jersey Telecom, assuming that States Members approve the law.
The move coincides with the opening-up of the UK mail market, initially for business mail. But initial reactions in the UK to the break-up of the monopoly held by Consignia have not all been favourable, not least because consumers are concerned that services may suffer.
Meanwhile Jersey businesses have this week been urged to embrace the introduction of new competition, not only in the telecoms and postal markets, but throughout all of the Island’s business sectors.
Speaking at the Chamber of Commerce lunch on Wednesday, JCRA chairman and political economist Dr Patrick McNutt (pictured) said that independent regulation and competition was not only good news for consumers bringing in lower prices, more choice, and new technologies but also vital for the economy.
Jersey Evening Post
