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WQ.285/2022
DRAFT
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHAIR OF THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY
ASSOCIATION (JERSEY BRANCH) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BY DEPUTY L.K.F. STEPHENSON OF ST. MARY, ST. OUEN AND ST. PETER QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2022
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 21st NOVEMBER 2022
Question
"Will the Chair advise –
- the total cost of States Members' travel, accommodation and food associated with attendance at Commonwealth Parliamentary Association events around the world for each of the last five years, including to date in 2022; and
- who is able to represent the Island at such events and explain the selection process?"
Answer
2018: £26,310.40 2019: £22,227.21 2020: £9,592.25 2021: £6,607.38 2022: £15,814.46
Total: £80, 551.70
The work of the CPA is invaluable. It allows Members to share knowledge, experience and skills across a global network. Jersey gains and gives back in equal measure and through its involvement in the CPA is able to have a distinct international presence and provide professional development opportunities for members.
In 2019 the budget for the Jersey Branch of the CPA was increased for the first time since 1997 from £40,000 to £50,000 to meet the costs of participation in the vast array of opportunities made available by the CPA for Members to meet and network with colleagues across the Commonwealth. It is worth noting that the Jersey Branch pays its subscription to the CPA from the same budget line and that currently stands at £30,000. Most conferences provide food and accommodation as part of the event, but there are subsistence allowances which are applied to meet the cost of any meals (excluding alcohol). Bookings for CPA events are made through the Government travel system and in accordance with accepted travel guidelines to ensure value for money.
When an invitation to an event is received by the Branch Secretary (the Greffier) it is circulated to all Members seeking expressions of interest. Members are encouraged to submit an application form by a set deadline, outlining their particular interest in the visit. These submissions are then considered by the Executive Committee who prioritise selection based on several criteria to ensure fairness, objectivity and that the delegation we send is balanced. Consideration is given to a Member's length of service; gender; experience; familiarity, knowledge or specific interest in the conference theme; and also whether they have attended any similar events (with priority being given to those who have not). The focus of the Committee is to share the opportunities afforded by CPA equally across the membership of the Assembly.