Jersey and New Jersey announce measures for cost of living and housing

The government of Jersey has released its 2027 to 2030 budget, featuring measures to mitigate cost-of-living pressures. Key initiatives include increasing free nursery care for two to three-year-olds from 15 to 20 hours per week and doubling the parental grant to £1,800 for families with newborns or those adopting. Additionally, low to middle-income households will receive a £250 family support payment per school-aged child in 2027, and free school meals will be extended to secondary students under the Jersey Premium scheme. Treasury Minister Alan Maclean described the budget as a “step in the right direction” toward addressing previous spending deficits.

In the United States, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has introduced a five-part plan to address housing shortages and affordability. The proposal aims to double the number of planned homes on state-owned land from 20,000 to 40,000. The strategy includes establishing permit application timelines and utilizing a new tax credit auction to fund affordable housing. The plan seeks to address a projected need for 350,000 additional homes to maintain regional competitiveness and support residents facing rising rent and mortgage costs.