Eddie Noel talks solid waste in JEP

Eddie Noel has written a letter published in Tuesday's Jersey Evening Post, defending the introduction of the 'waste charge' (aka 'Shit Tax'). Opposition to this has come from the big Jersey hotels - who are running to tight margins anyway - and who, because they have lots of rooms, will be handed massive waste bills which will cripple their balance sheets unless they raise prices. Hotels will have to charge tourists for taking a dump.

Nevertheless, the popular Infrastructure Minister blithely writes that this States decision is fair because it is based on the principle of 'user pays'. Although if the users end up closing, the plan won't make the Treasury any money.

In response to the hospitality industry advising that they can't afford it, Noel has highlighted the decision to phase in the tax, which means that only 50% will be levied in 2018. But the full amount will still have to be paid by businesses in 2019, and many will have to pass it on to the consumer in order to stay afloat. In the case of hotels, this will simply make it more expensive for tourists to come to the Island. Expect to see even less hotels in Jersey after 2020.