The final Our Island Plan report has confirmed that several of the government’s targets will not be met before the end of the administration, with major reforms now pushed into the next political term.
The report acknowledges that “not all targets have been met” and that “further work will be required in specific areas”, despite more than 160 milestones being completed since 2021.
Among the most significant shortfalls is the government’s population ambition. Ministers had set a target of 2,500 additional residents, but the report confirms the Island achieved just 906 over the period, barely a third of the goal.
Falling Short
Housing delivery also fell short. While more than 1,500 homes have been approved since 2021, only around 670 have progressed to construction, meaning the Island Plan’s aim of increasing occupied homes has not been achieved.
A substantial list of legislation has also been deferred, including Bills covering Legal Aid, Public Health Functions, Environmental Protection, Children and Young Persons, Insolvency, and National Infrastructure Security. Many of these were originally expected to be completed within this administration.
The report further confirms that several strategic projects, including work permit reform, the Strategic Plan, and elements of the Covid Review recommendations, will now be matters for the next government.
While the Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK says the island is “safer, better connected and more prosperous” than in 2021, the final report paints a more mixed picture, significant progress in some areas, but major structural reforms left unfinished as the administration comes to an end.
The final Island Plan report can be found here.
