States Meeting Transcript - 12th November 2019

STATES OF JERSEY OFFICIAL REPORT

TUESDAY, 12th NOVEMBER 2019

COMMUNICATIONS BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER ........................................ 9

1.1 Welcome to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor .................................... 9 QUESTIONS ......................................................................................... 9

2. Written Questions ........................................................................... 9

1. DEPUTY J.H. PERCHARD OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE CHAIR OF THE STATES EMPLOYMENT BOARD REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE HR LOUNGE IN RESPECT OF BULLYING AND HARASSMENT: (WQ.474 /2019) ........................................................ 9
2. DEPUTY J.H. PERCHARD OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING GOVERNMENT POLICY IN RESPECT OF POPULATION LIMITS: (WQ.475/2019) ........................................................................... 10
3. THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. MARTIN OF THE ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING THE PROSPECT OF EXTENDING THE LISTENING LOUNGE INITIATIVE: (WQ.476/2019) ........... 10
4. THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. BRELADE OF THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE REGARDING THE USE OF THE GRANITE FAÇADE OF THE OLD NEWGATE STREET PRISON: (WQ.478/2019) .................................. 11
5. DEPUTY K.G. PAMPLIN OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JERSEY ETHICAL CARE CHARTER: (WQ.479/2019) ............................... 12
6. DEPUTY K.G. PAMPLIN OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE CHAIR OF THE STATES EMPLOYMENT BOARD REGARDING THE SICKNESS LEAVE TAKEN BY STATES OF JERSEY EMPLOYEES: (WQ.480/2019) ................................. 13
7. DEPUTY K.G. PAMPLIN OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH INCIDENTS TO WHICH THE STATES OF JERSEY POLICE HAVE BEEN CALLED: (WQ.481/2019) ....................... 13
8. DEPUTY K.G. PAMPLIN OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE CHAIR OF THE STATES EMPLOYMENT BOARD REGARDING STATES OF JERSEY STAFF ON SECONDMENT SINCE 1ST JANUARY 2018: (WQ.482/2019) ....................... 13
9. DEPUTY K.G. PAMPLIN OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING THE DELAYS TO 2018 TAX RETURN NOTICES: (WQ.483/2019) .............................................................. 15
10. SENATOR K.L. MOORE OF THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING REGARDING THE DWELLING HOUSES LOAN FUND: (WQ.484/2019) .......... 16
11. DEPUTY K.F. MOREL OF ST. LAWRENCE OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE DELEGATION OF FUNCTIONS: (WQ.485/2019)............... 16

12. DEPUTY S.M. AHIER OF ST. HELIER OF THE CHAIR OF THE STATES EMPLOYMENT BOARD REGARDING EXPENDITURE ON VOLUNTARY RELEASE AND COMPULSORY REDUNDANCIES: (WQ.486/2019) ............... 19
13. DEPUTY K.F. MOREL OF ST. LAWRENCE OF THE CHAIR OF THE STATES EMPLOYMENT BOARD REGARDING THE SELECTION PANELS ON WHICH THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER HAS SAT: (WQ.487/2019) ..................... 21
14. DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING ACCESS TO RETINAL SCREENING APPOINTMENTS: (WQ.488/2019)...................................................... 22
15. DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS REGARDING DIVESTMENT IN COMPANIES THAT ARE RELIANT UPON FOSSIL FUELS AS A BASIS FOR THEIR ACTIVITIES: (WQ.489/2019) .... 23
16. DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION REGARDING LUNCH BREAKS IN THE ISLAND'S SCHOOLS: (WQ.490/2019) .. 23
17. DEPUTY S.M. AHIER OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE REGARDING THE PROPERTIES OCCUPIED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF JERSEY: (WQ.491/2019) ......................................... 24
18. DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING REGARDING STAFF TURNOVER IN THE CHILDREN'S SERVICE: (WQ.492/2019) ........................................................................... 25
19. DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING REGARDING COMPLAINTS MADE TO THE CHILDREN'S SERVICE: (WQ.493/2019) ........................................................................... 26
20. DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING A DIGITAL SYSTEM FOR SHARING PATIENT RECORDS: (WQ.494/2019).............................................................. 28
21. DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING THE RECORDING AND INVESTIGATION OF INSTANCES IN WHICH PATIENTS SUFFER ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS FROM MEDICATION: (WQ.495/2019) ......................................................... 28
22. DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING THE INSTANCES IN WHICH DETAILS OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S CIRCUMSTANCES CAN BE SHARED WITH OTHER AGENCIES WITHOUT THE INDIVIDUAL'S CONSENT: (WQ.496/2019) ........................ 29
23. THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. MARTIN OF THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS REGARDING THE POTENTIAL LEGISLATIVE CHANGES ARISING FROM THE EXTENSION OF THE U.K.'S MEMBERSHIP OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION TO JERSEY: (WQ.497/2019) ....................................... 29
24. THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. MARTIN OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE REPRESENTATION OF JERSEY'S INTERESTS AT WESTMINSTER: (WQ.498/2019) ........................................................................... 30
25. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING DEPARTMENTAL EXPENDITURE ON WAGES AND SALARIES: (WQ.499/2019) ...................................................... 31
26. DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING REGARDING THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE SLEEPING ROUGH IN JERSEY: (WQ.500/2019) ................................................................ 32
27. DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE GRANTING OF ENTITLED STATUS UNDER REGULATION 2(1)(E) OF THE CONTROL OF HOUSING AND WORK (RESIDENTIAL AND EMPLOYMENT STATUS) (JERSEY) REGULATIONS 2013: (WQ.501/2019) .......................... 33

28. DEPUTY M. TADIER OF ST. BRELADE OF THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE REGARDING CONSULTATION IN RESPECT OF THE USE OF THE EXISTING LES QUENNEVAIS SCHOOL SITE: (WQ.502/2019) .......... 34
29. DEPUTY M. TADIER OF ST. BRELADE OF THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT REGARDING THE EXPECTED RISE IN SEA LEVELS: (WQ.503/2019) ........................................................................... 34
30. DEPUTY M. TADIER OF ST. BRELADE OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION REGARDING STUDENTS WITH POLISH, ROMANIAN OR PORTUGUESE AS A FIRST OR ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE: (WQ.504/2019) ............................. 35
31. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING THE AFFORDABILITY OF PRIMARY CARE: (WQ.505/2019) .................................................................. 36
32. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING MEASURES UNDER CONSIDERATION TO IMPROVE THE AFFORDABILITY OF PRIMARY CARE: (WQ.506/2019) ...................... 38
33. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CONSULTATION, LIVING TODAY, THINKING AHEAD': (WQ.507/2019) ...... 39
34. DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION SERVICE AND U.K. CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES: (WQ.508/2019) ........................................................................... 41
35. DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING REGARDING FOSTERING AND ADOPTION PROCESSES: (WQ.509/2019) ........................................................................... 42
36. DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING THE COLLECTION BY JERSEY POST OF V.A.T. ON GOODS: (WQ.510/2019) ............................................................ 45
37. DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING THE STATES OF JERSEY POLICE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS DEPARTMENT: (WQ.511/2019) ....................................... 45

3. Oral Questions ............................................................................. 46

1. Senator S.C. Ferguson of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding training contracts issued by Government Departments: (OQ.284/2019) ........................ 46

Deputy S.J. Pinel of St. Clement (The Minister for Treasury and Resources): ................ 46

1. Senator S.C. Ferguson: ................................................................... 46
2. Senator S.C. Ferguson: ................................................................... 46
3. Senator S.C. Ferguson: ................................................................... 47

2. Senator K.L. Moore of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding a sustainable funding mechanism for primary care: (OQ.269/2019) .................... 47

Deputy R.J. Renouf of St. Ouen (The Minister for Health and Social Services): .............. 47

1. Senator K.L. Moore : ...................................................................... 48
2. Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier : ...................................................... 48
3. Deputy K.G. Pamplin of St. Saviour : .................................................... 48
4. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier : .......................................................... 48
5. Senator K.L. Moore : ...................................................................... 48

3. Deputy S.G. Luce of St. Martin of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the reclamation site at La Collette: (OQ.274/2019) .......................................... 49

Deputy K.C. Lewis of St. Saviour (The Minister for Infrastructure): .......................... 49

1. The Deputy of St. Martin : ................................................................ 49
2. The Deputy of St. Martin : ................................................................ 49

4. Deputy K.F. Morel of St. Lawrence of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the diversity of the board of Andium Homes: (OQ.270/2019) .............. 50

Deputy L.B.E. Ash of St. Clement (Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources -

rapporteur):............................................................................... 50

1. Deputy K.F. Morel : ....................................................................... 50
2. Senator K.L. Moore : ...................................................................... 50
3. Deputy J.H. Perchard of St. Saviour : ..................................................... 51
4. Deputy J.H. Perchard: .................................................................... 51
5. Deputy K.G. Pamplin:.................................................................... 52
6. Deputy R.J. Ward :........................................................................ 52
7. Deputy R.J. Ward :........................................................................ 52
8. Connétable M.K. Jackson of St. Brelade : ................................................ 52
9. Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier : .......................................................... 53
10. Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat of St. Helier : ................................................ 53
11. Deputy K.F. Morel : .................................................................... 54

5. Deputy R.J. Ward of the Chief Minister regarding the allocation of funds for public sector pay rises: (OQ.278/2019) ........................................................... 54

Senator J.A.N. Le Fondré (The Chief Minister): ............................................... 54

1. Deputy R.J. Ward :........................................................................ 54
2. Deputy K.G. Pamplin:.................................................................... 55
3. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 55
4. Deputy R.J. Ward :........................................................................ 55

6. Deputy C.S. Alves of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the cancellation and rescheduling of operations at the General Hospital due to bed shortages: (OQ.277/2019) .................................................................. 55

The Deputy of St. Ouen (The Minister for Health and Social Services): ...................... 56

1. Deputy C.S. Alves : ....................................................................... 56
2. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 57
3. Deputy R.J. Ward :........................................................................ 57
4. Deputy R.J. Ward :........................................................................ 57
5. Deputy K.G. Pamplin:.................................................................... 57
6. Deputy S.M. Ahier of St. Helier : ......................................................... 58

7. Deputy K.G. Pamplin of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the development of the Jersey Care Model: (OQ.280/2019) ................................ 58

The Deputy of St. Ouen (The Minister for Health and Social Services): ...................... 58

1. Deputy K.G. Pamplin:.................................................................... 58
2. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 59
3. Deputy K.G. Pamplin:.................................................................... 59

8. Deputy G.P. Southern of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding a reduction in the co-payment for patients for G.P. consultations: (OQ.282/2019) ..... 59

The Deputy of St. Ouen (The Minister for Health and Social Services): ...................... 59

1. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 60
2. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 60

9. Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier of the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture regarding the Jersey Innovation Fund: (OQ.272/2019) ............ 60

Senator L.J. Farnham (The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture):

............................................................................................ 60

1. Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 60
2. Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 61

10. Deputy G.P. Southern of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding the provision in the Government Plan for pay inflation: (OQ.283/2019) .................. 61

Senator J.A.N. Le Fondré (Chair, States Employment Board): ................................ 61

1. Deputy G.P. Southern : ................................................................ 61
2. Deputy S.M. Ahier : .................................................................... 61
3. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 62
4. Deputy G.P. Southern : ................................................................ 62

11. Deputy I. Gardiner of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding community facilities at the old tea factory building: (OQ.273/201) ............................................ 62

Deputy K.C. Lewis (The Minister for Infrastructure): .......................................... 62

1. Deputy I. Gardiner : .................................................................... 62
2. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 63

12. Deputy K.G. Pamplin of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the introduction of a new online tax system: (OQ.280/2019) ................................ 63

Deputy S.J. Pinel (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):................................. 63

1. Deputy K.G. Pamplin: ................................................................. 63
2. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 63
3. Deputy K.G. Pamplin: ................................................................. 64
4. Deputy K.G. Pamplin: ................................................................. 64

13. Deputy R.J. Ward of the Minister for the Environment regarding the encouragement and facilitation of more greenery in the Island's urban areas: (OQ.279/2019) ........ 64

Deputy J.H. Young of St. Brelade (The Minister for the Environment): ....................... 64

1. Senator S.C. Ferguson: ................................................................ 65
2. Senator S.C. Ferguson: ................................................................ 65
3. Deputy S.M. Wickenden of St. Helier : ................................................ 65
4. The Deputy of St. Martin : ............................................................. 65
5. Deputy G.J. Truscott of St. Brelade : .................................................. 66
6. Deputy K.F. Morel : .................................................................... 66
7. The Connétable of St. Brelade : ........................................................ 66
8. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 66

14. The Deputy of St. Martin of the Chief Minister regarding the future of Haut de la Garenne: (OQ.275/2019) .................................................................. 67

Senator J.A.N. Le Fondré (The Chief Minister): ............................................... 67

1. Deputy K.G. Pamplin: ................................................................. 67
2. Deputy K.G. Pamplin: ................................................................. 67
3. Deputy S.M. Ahier : .................................................................... 68
4. Deputy S.M. Ahier : .................................................................... 68
5. Connétable K. Shenton-Stone of St. Martin :.......................................... 68
6. The Connétable of St. Martin : ......................................................... 69
7. The Deputy of St. Martin : ............................................................. 69

15. Deputy K.F. Morel of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding the States-owned sites at South Hill and Cyril Le Marquand House: (OQ.271/2019) .......................... 69

Deputy K.C. Lewis (The Minister for Infrastructure): .......................................... 69

1. Deputy K.F. Morel : .................................................................... 69
2. Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat : .............................................................. 69
3. Senator S.C. Ferguson: ................................................................ 70
4. Deputy K.G. Pamplin: ................................................................. 70
5. Deputy K.G. Pamplin: ................................................................. 70
6. Deputy K.F. Morel : .................................................................... 70

4. Questions to Ministers without notice - The Minister for the Environment ........... 71

1. The Deputy of St. Martin : ................................................................ 71 Deputy J.H. Young (The Minister for the Environment): ...................................... 71

1. The Deputy of St. Martin : ................................................................ 72
   2. Deputy D. Johnson of St. Mary : .......................................................... 72
   3. Deputy G.J. Truscott: ..................................................................... 72
   4. Deputy K.F. Morel : ....................................................................... 73

4.4.1 Deputy K.F. Morel : ....................................................................... 73

5. Deputy S.M. Ahier : ....................................................................... 73
6. The Connétable of St. Brelade : ........................................................... 74
7. Connétable R.A. Buchanan of St. Ouen : ................................................. 74
8. Senator S.W. Pallett: ...................................................................... 74

5 Questions to Ministers without notice - The Minister for Treasury and Resources .. 75

1. Senator S.W. Pallett: ...................................................................... 75 Deputy S.J. Pinel (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):................................. 75

1. Senator S.W. Pallett: ...................................................................... 75
   2. Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 75

5.2.1 Deputy I. Gardiner : ....................................................................... 76

3. Deputy S.M. Ahier : ....................................................................... 76
4. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade :......................................................... 76

5.4.1 Deputy M. Tadier : ........................................................................ 76

5. Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat :................................................................. 77

5.5.1 Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat :................................................................. 77

6. Connétable D.W. Mezbourian of St. Lawrence : .......................................... 77

5.6.1 The Connétable of St. Lawrence :......................................................... 77

7. Deputy G.J. Truscott: ..................................................................... 77
8. Senator S.C. Ferguson: ................................................................... 78

5.8.1 Senator S.C. Ferguson: ................................................................... 78

9. Deputy K.F. Morel : ....................................................................... 78
10. Deputy R.J. Ward :........................................................................ 79
11. Deputy K.F. Morel : ....................................................................... 79

PUBLIC BUSINESS ................................................................................ 79

6. States Assembly: time limits on speeches in debates (P.101/2019) ...................... 79

6.1 Deputy R.J. Labey of St. Helier (Chair, Privileges and Procedures Committee): ........ 80

1. The Connétable of St. Lawrence :......................................................... 83
2. Deputy M. Tadier : ........................................................................ 83
3. Senator L.J. Farnham : .................................................................... 87
4. Senator S.Y. Mézec : ...................................................................... 87

5. Connétable C.H. Taylor of St. John : ...................................................... 88
6. Deputy R. Labey : ......................................................................... 89

LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT PROPOSED ................................................... 91 LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT .................................................................. 91

7. Draft Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) (Amendment No. 2) (Jersey) Regulations 201- (P.104/2019) ............................................................ 91

7.1 The Connétable of St. Clement (The Minister for Home Affairs):....................... 91

1. Deputy R.J. Ward :........................................................................ 92
2. Deputy J.H. Young: ...................................................................... 92
3. Senator S.Y. Mézec : ...................................................................... 92
4. Deputy M. Tadier : ........................................................................ 92
5. Senator L.J. Farnham : .................................................................... 93
6. Senator S.C. Ferguson: ................................................................... 94
7. The Connétable of St. Clement : .......................................................... 94

8. Channel Islands Lottery: allocation of proceeds from 2018 (P.105/2019).............. 96

8.1 Senator L.J. Farnham (The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture): .................................................................................. 96

1. The Deputy of St. Mary : .................................................................. 96
2. The Connétable of St. Brelade : ........................................................... 97
3. Deputy K.G. Pamplin:.................................................................... 97
4. The Connétable of St. Lawrence :......................................................... 97
5. Deputy K.F. Morel : ....................................................................... 97
6. Deputy M. Tadier : ........................................................................ 98
7. Senator L.J. Farnham : .................................................................... 98

9. States of Jersey Development Company Limited: re-appointment of Non-Executive Directors (P.108/2019) .................................................................... 100

9.1 Deputy L.B.E. Ash (Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources - rapporteur): .... 100

1. Deputy J.H. Young: ..................................................................... 101
2. Deputy J.H. Perchard: ................................................................... 101
3. The Connétable of St. John : ............................................................. 102
4. Deputy K.F. Morel : ...................................................................... 102
5. Deputy M. Tadier : ....................................................................... 102
6. Deputy R.J. Ward :....................................................................... 104
7. The Connétable of St. Martin : .......................................................... 104
8. Senator I.J. Gorst : ....................................................................... 105
9. Senator K.L. Moore : .................................................................... 105
10. Deputy K.C. Lewis : .................................................................. 106
11. Deputy L.B.E. Ash: .................................................................. 106

10. Draft Financial Services Ombudsman (Case-Fee, Levy and Budget - Amendments No.

2) (Jersey) Regulations 201- (P.111/2019)............................................... 109

1. Senator S.W. Pallett (Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture - rapporteur): ................................................................... 111

1. Deputy J.H. Young: .................................................................. 113
2. Deputy K.F. Morel : .................................................................. 113
3. Deputy R.J. Ward : .................................................................... 113

2. Senator S.W. Pallett: .................................................................... 115

ARRANGEMENT OF PUBLIC BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS................... 117

11. Deputy R. Labey (Chairman, Privileges and Procedures Committee): ................. 117

1. Senator L.J. Farnham : ................................................................... 118

1. Deputy G.P. Southern : ............................................................... 118
2. Deputy M. Tadier : .................................................................... 118
3. Deputy K.F. Morel : .................................................................. 118
4. Deputy R.J. Ward : .................................................................... 119
5. Deputy J.H. Young: .................................................................. 119

2. Deputy M. Tadier : ....................................................................... 119

1. Senator S.W. Pallett: ................................................................. 119
2. The Deputy of St. Martin : ............................................................ 120
3. Senator S.C. Ferguson: ............................................................... 120
4. Deputy R.J. Ward : .................................................................... 121
5. Deputy K.F. Morel : .................................................................. 121
6. The Connétable of St. Clement : ...................................................... 121
7. Deputy J.M. Maçon: .................................................................. 121
8. Senator J.A.N. Le Fondré: ............................................................ 122
9. Deputy M. Tadier : .................................................................... 122

ADJOURNMENT ................................................................................. 123

[9:30]

The Roll was called and the Dean led the Assembly in Prayer. COMMUNICATIONS BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER

The Deputy Greffier of the States (in the Chair):

1.1  Welcome to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor

On behalf of Members I would like to welcome His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor to the Chamber this morning, [Approbation]

QUESTIONS

2.  Written Questions

1. DEPUTY J.H. PERCHARD OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE CHAIR OF THE STATES EMPLOYMENT BOARD REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE HR LOUNGE IN RESPECT OF BULLYING AND HARASSMENT: (WQ.474 /2019)

Question

Further to the response to Oral Question 261/2019 and given that the States Employment Board does not currently intend to invite The HR Lounge back for a follow-up review of bullying and harassment, will the Chair provide further details about how the efficacy of the Government's implementation of The HR Lounge's recommendations will be measured, and by whom?

Answer

The States Employment Board continues to monitor the delivery of the plan against the recommendations of the HR Lounge. The first such formal report is due in December 2019.

The Group Director for People and Corporate Services will provide information relating to the number of complaints, the nature of the complaints and outcomes of complaints raised in relation to bullying and harassment.

The States Employment Board committed to introduce a mandatory exit interview' and survey this month that will allow individuals leaving the organisation to also raise concerns. This will be monitored for trends monthly and areas of concern acted upon.

Additionally, the staff survey in 2020 will have specific questions relating to behaviour, incidents or perception of bullying and harassment. We will be able to identify potential trends or areas of concern from staff feedback and put in place further actions or interventions if required.

We continuously monitor the Whistleblowing submissions (both anonymous and named) through the bullying and harassment reporting site, which is run independently. We also monitor the outcome of such allegations.

We also intend to engage with the trade unions to review perceptions of the effectiveness of the bullying and harassment policy and consult on any changes required to improve our work in this area.

If any of the above actions and reviews result in further significant concerns, we will, if appropriate, commission a further review from the HR Lounge.

Cost of Producing Answer

As a means of giving an approximate indication to the time and cost of producing an answer to a written question, it has been decided that answers shall include a cost, broken down by civil service grade:

DG Level x15 minutes: £20.25 Total: £20.25

2. DEPUTY J.H. PERCHARD OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING GOVERNMENT POLICY IN RESPECT OF POPULATION LIMITS: (WQ.475/2019)

Question

Given the response to Oral Question 251/2019, when the Assistant Chief Minister stated that he is "not in favour of infinite [population] growth", will the Chief Minister –

1. advise whether the report from the Migration Policy Development Board will include a proposed limit on the size of Jersey's population;
2. advise whether any preliminary consideration has been given to such a proposed limit and, if so, what the results of that consideration have been to date; and

4. if the report will not include proposals for such a limit, explain why not? Answer

The terms of reference of the Board state that its purpose is: "to develop comprehensive migration policy proposals which will deliver more responsive controls over who can come to live, work and access public services in Jersey, improving consistency wherever practical and helping to reduce the Island's reliance on inward migration."

The Migration Policy Development Board published its interim report on 24th October outlining its work and the complex issues that surround this issue to help inform the debate on how to develop meaningful and sustainable migration controls in the future.

As was said in the answer to Oral Question 251/2019 ultimately it will be a question for the States Assembly as a whole to debate and agree the level of migration control that it wishes to enforce and any population targets it wishes to impose. Our current timetable suggests a debate on migration controls in early summer 2020.

Cost of Producing Answer

As a means of giving an approximate indication to the time and cost of producing an answer to a written question, it has been decided that answers shall include a cost, broken down by civil service grade:

Civil Servant Grade 12 x 20mins: £10.70 Civil Servant Grade 15 x 20mins: £15.00 Total: £25.70

3. THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. MARTIN OF THE ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING THE PROSPECT OF EXTENDING THE LISTENING LOUNGE INITIATIVE: (WQ.476/2019)

Question

Will the Assistant Minister outline what scoping, if any, has so far been done to examine the feasibility of extending the Listening Lounge initiative to other parts of the Island?

Answer

Islanders can now access free early help and support at the Listening Lounge. The aim is to provide early intervention to prevent deterioration in people's mental health. The Lounge opened on the 4th

November and is based in Charles House, Charles Street, St Helier.

The facility is a pilot scheme which aims to help islanders with issues such as anxiety and depression before they become more complex. It has been co-produced by the Government of Jersey, the voluntary sector and those with lived experience. Funding is through a partnership arrangement between Health and Community Services and L.I.N.C, a specialist mental health and wellbeing provider in Jersey.

Its delivery is part of the Government of Jersey's commitment to delivering the best health care for islanders, with mental health care a priority. A 14-month contract has been signed between the Government of Jersey and L.I.N.C, which is owned by LV Home Care Ltd, part of the LV Care Group. The service specification has been set for the next three months and will be reviewed by all partners at the beginning of February 2020. The review will look at how the service is working and whether it is meeting the needs of the community and support services.

This is a new service and a pilot. Therefore, it will be continuously evaluated and any lessons learnt before extension is considered. We want to ensure that we have a secure evidence base before dedicating further public monies to the approach. However, the approach is creative and multi-agency and my department would be very pleased to be advised of any needs assessment work that has taken place and any possible resources (venues and staffing) that exist in the Island.

4. THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. BRELADE OF THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE REGARDING THE USE OF THE GRANITE FAÇADE OF THE OLD NEWGATE STREET PRISON: (WQ.478/2019)

Question

Given the granite façade of the old Newgate Street prison has been in Government storage since 1974 on the basis that it be kept for some future project, will the Minister agree to take action and request that the granite form part of a new States structure or, if not, agree to its disposal to the highest bidder within the next 12 months?

Answer

Over the years, there have been a number of suggestions as to the re-use of the Newgate Street prison façade, from Cyril Le Marquand House, the Public Library and the Magistrate's Court to, more recently, the future hospital. The barriers to such re-use seems to have been cost and architectural style.

We are informed that, despite some opinions to the contrary, the granite blocks are all present and in good condition and could therefore be incorporated in the design of an appropriate Public building. The challenge is that modern designs tend not to be of the same scale as the prison and accommodating the arches would result in an imbalanced and anachronistic appearance.

An alternative to reconstructing the façade as part of a single building would be to split it over two or three, although this would dilute the imposing nature of the original.

Reuse of the façade continues to be considered for possible use in either of the two major build projects (the new hospital and the new Government offices) in the near future.

5. DEPUTY K.G. PAMPLIN OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JERSEY ETHICAL CARE CHARTER: (WQ.479/2019)

Question

Further to the Minister's answer to Oral Question 29/2019 on 29th January 2019, will he outline what work the "next stages" in the implementation of the Jersey Ethical Care Charter has entailed, as described in the answer, and provide an update on progress towards implementation?

Answer

Members will be aware that in July 2017 the last States Assembly adopted a Proposition (P48/2017) put forward by Deputy Southern that, in principle, Jersey should adopt an Ethical Care Charter governing the provision of care in people's homes. As instructed by the Proposition, a consultation was undertaken with the Jersey Care Commission and with users and providers of care services on the terms of the Charter with the result that there was general support for the proposed content of the Charter – 84% of responses agreed or strongly agreed that all providers of domiciliary care should be required to sign up to the Charter.

While the intention behind the Charter is entirely laudable and one which I support wholeheartedly, there are some practical obstacles in proceeding with implementing the Charter as a legal or contractual provision. Having consulted the Jersey Care Commission and Caritas Jersey, it is clear that establishing a mechanism that delivers mandatory requirements in the proposed Charter is difficult to achieve.

The proposed Jersey Charter has its origins in a UK union-sponsored voluntary charter that care providers and local authorities can choose to adopt. Such a voluntary approach allows providers to differentiate themselves in terms of how they treat their workers and to stand out in terms of attracting and retaining staff. It allows them to secure clients looking for a provider that adheres to particular standards. The user of the service is then ultimately making an informed choice.

If the Charter was to be compulsory there are particular issues around its terminology (it is not drafted as a legislative provision), its enforcement and the regulation of service providers. The proposed Charter contains elements that relate to terms and conditions of employment and therefore it is not appropriate for such a task to rest with the Jersey Care Commission. While the Commission upholds a comprehensive set of care standards across all care sectors, it does not stray into setting terms and conditions of employment, particularly the establishment of a minimum wage for those working in domiciliary services. Furthermore, Jersey's Employment Law does not make provision for separate legal requirements to apply to different groups of employees. I am informed that the Social Security Minister is not minded to prepare an amendment to the Employment Law in this respect and I agree that it is not appropriate.

The Charter refers to the requirement for a signatory to pay the Jersey Living Wage. This is at variance with the voluntary nature of the Jersey Living Wage – where the employer has decided voluntarily to become accredited. I understand that the promoters of the Jersey Living Wage do not support compulsory accreditation.

So, while I share the desire to ensure that Islanders receive the best possible domiciliary care and recognise the role that a Charter could play in articulating and promoting a set of locally-agreed standards and adherence to good practice, the practicalities of doing this in a legal or contractual framework are proving challenging.

I am willing to continue meeting with Deputy Southern (and the questioner if he wishes) to achieve implementation of the Charter in the best practical way.

6. DEPUTY K.G. PAMPLIN OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE CHAIR OF THE STATES EMPLOYMENT  BOARD  REGARDING  THE  SICKNESS  LEAVE  TAKEN  BY STATES OF JERSEY EMPLOYEES: (WQ.480/2019)

Question

Will the Chair provide the Assembly with information about the amount of extended time taken off for sickness by States of Jersey employees where the absences are either due to mental health reasons or due to reasons explicitly related to employees' work (such as exhaustion or their work conditions)?

Answer

So far in 2019, up until 5 November, there have been a total of 104 employees, with a total of 4,937 days, who have been off for 20 days or more, for a variety of ailments that may or may not include mental health reasons or work-related absences.

We currently do not collect information in such a way that allow us to interrogate absences in the way the question asks.

Cost of Producing Answer

As a means of giving an approximate indication to the time and cost of producing an answer to a written question, it has been decided that answers shall include a cost, broken down by civil service grade:

Civil Servant Grade 13 x 15minutes: £10 Total: £10.00

7. DEPUTY K.G.  PAMPLIN  OF  ST.  SAVIOUR  OF  THE  MINISTER  FOR  HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH INCIDENTS TO WHICH THE STATES OF JERSEY POLICE HAVE BEEN CALLED: (WQ.481/2019)

Question

Will the Minister state –

1. the number of mental health incidents to which the States of Jersey Police has been called out in each of 2017, 2018 and 2019 (to date);
2. the number of police officers deployed in each instance; and
3. the time spent on each such call-out?

Answer

8. DEPUTY K.G. PAMPLIN OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE CHAIR OF THE STATES EMPLOYMENT  BOARD  REGARDING  STATES  OF  JERSEY  STAFF  ON SECONDMENT SINCE 1ST JANUARY 2018: (WQ.482/2019)

Will the Chair advise how many States of Jersey staff have been on secondment within the organisation since 1st January 2018 to date (including those still currently on secondment), breaking down this figure to show in which departments each secondment has taken place, the length of each secondment  and  (for  those  secondments  that  have  been  completed)  whether  the  individual subsequently left employment with the States of Jersey or whether they continued in permanent employment with either the borrowing or lending department?

Answer

The information is attached in the table below. There have been 49 secondments during the period 1st January 2018 to 31st October 2019 in the Government of Jersey. This covers 45 employees as 3

employees had more than one secondment during this time.

Cost of Producing Answer

As a means of giving an approximate indication to the time and cost of producing an answer to a written question, it has been decided that answers shall include a cost, broken down by civil service grade:

Civil Servant Grade 13 x 1 hour: £40 Total: £40

9. DEPUTY K.G. PAMPLIN OF ST. SAVIOUR OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING THE DELAYS TO 2018 TAX RETURN NOTICES: (WQ.483/2019)

Question

Further to the public advice issued by Revenue Jersey regarding the delays to 2018 tax return notices, will the Minister advise –

1. how many Islanders are yet to receive their I.T.I.S. tax return forms;
2. how many Islanders are affected by having to pay at a higher rate for the remainder of 2019 in order to secure their full payment of I.T.I.S by the end of December; and
3. what the impact will be on the Department, if any, particularly on whether the introduction of online filing of returns will be delayed?

Answer

It is assumed from the Deputy 's question that when he refers to ITIS tax return forms he is referring to the effective rate notices sent to Islanders that are in employment.

When the 2018 return is assessed by Revenue Jersey, a replacement effective rate notice is sent to the taxpayer (and spouse/civil partner where appropriate). The effective rate may be the same as the existing rate, or higher or lower depending on the circumstances.

1. As at 4 November 2019 approximately 15,900 2018 tax returns submitted (affecting 20,600 employees) are awaiting a replacement effective rate notice.
2. It is not possible to provide this information as it will not be known - until the taxpayer's return is reviewed by Revenue Jersey - whether or not their effective rate will change.

Revenue  Jersey's  online  information  explains  that  the  majority  of  customers  have  similar circumstances year on year and that their effective rate is unlikely to differ.

It also advises that where taxpayers have submitted their 2018 return, have not yet received an assessment and are genuinely worried that - through a material change of circumstances (for example significant variation in income, marriage/civil partnership, change in number of children) - they will not be able to pay their tax without an unmanageable impact on their finances they should contact the department.

3. Revenue Jersey is working hard to minimise the impact of tax assessing delays on the public. Revenue officers are working overtime with a view to completing 2018 tax assessments early in 2020.

Specific technical resources have been allocated to the introduction of online filing so it is not anticipated that the delays in return processing will have a direct effect on the introduction of this service.

10. SENATOR K.L. MOORE OF THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING REGARDING THE DWELLING HOUSES LOAN FUND: (WQ.484/2019)

Question

Will the Minister provide the Assembly with a report on the position of the Dwelling Houses Loan Fund, stating in particular –

1. the current level of the Fund;
2. the income to the Fund over the last year and the anticipated income over the next year; and
3. whether there are any plans to develop the purpose and use of the Fund and, if so, what those plans are?

Answer

1. The current level of the Dwelling Houses Loan Fund as at 31st October 2019 was £5,031,183. This figure is comprised of £1,430,140 in existing loans and £3,601,043 in funds available.
2. The income to the Fund over the last year (November 2018 to October 2019) in interest income was £148,462. The projected interest income (November 2019 to October 2020) is £111,833.
3. The Housing Policy Development Board is considering policy responses to address challenges in Jersey's housing market. While the Board has not concluded its work, it is exploring the potential to introduce new assisted home ownership products. £10 million is earmarked in the Government Plan for this purpose in 2021.

The detail of how any such products might work needs to be developed, but the Dwelling Houses Loan Fund has been used to facilitate previous assisted ownership schemes and could be used for a similar purpose again subject to ensuring such schemes meet the terms laid down in the Building Homes (Jersey) Law, under which the Fund was established and in consultation with the Treasury and Exchequer.

11. DEPUTY K.F. MOREL OF ST. LAWRENCE OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE DELEGATION OF FUNCTIONS: (WQ.485/2019)

Question

Further to the Ministerial Decision MD-C-2018-0110 regarding a delegation of functions, as reported to the Assembly in R.89/2018, will the Chief Minister state the job title of the Accountable Officer(s) referred to in the delegation and will he provide a list of all activity undertaken by the Accountable Officer(s) since the enactment of this Ministerial Decision within the delegated functions, as described in R.89/2019, namely the powers to –

1. enter into agreements for any purpose of his or her office;
2. acquire, hold and dispose of movable property;
3. do any other thing which the Minister can do by virtue of his or her office; and
4. do anything reasonably necessary or expedient for or incidental to any of the matters referred to in the foregoing clauses, limited to the value of £1 million and the period between June 2018 and December 2019?

Answer

Since  the  lodging  of  R.89/2018  there  have  been  two  accountable  officers  that  have  received delegation of functions from the Chief Minister. These, along with the activities under the delegation, are detailed in the Supplier and Interim contract tables below:

It should be noted that interim contracts of a value exceeding £100,000 follow a strict appointment process  and  contracts  are  only  signed  by  the  accountable  officer  once  approval  from  States Employment Board to appoint has been given.

Cost of Producing Answer

As a means of giving an approximate indication to the time and cost of producing an answer to a written question, it has been decided that answers shall include a cost, broken down by civil service grade:

Civil Servant Grade 13 x 1 hour: £40 Civil Servant Grade 15x 2.5 hours: £125 Civil Servant Grade 15 x 2 hours: £100 Head of Resourcing x 0.5 hours: £60 Total: £325

12. DEPUTY S.M.  AHIER  OF  ST.  HELIER  OF  THE  CHAIR  OF  THE  STATES EMPLOYMENT  BOARD  REGARDING  EXPENDITURE  ON VOLUNTARY RELEASE AND COMPULSORY REDUNDANCIES: (WQ.486/2019)

Question

Will the Chair advise the Assembly –

1. how much money has been paid from the Redundancy Provision in relation to Voluntary Release and Compulsory Redundancies from the inception of the Provision in 2015 to the current date;
2. how many employees have received such payments; and
3. at which Tiers these individuals were employed?

Answer

1. Since the scheme was launched in 2015 a total of £9.4m has been paid out for VR and a total of £975k has been paid out for CR from the Redundancy Provision. The table below provides a breakdown by year:

Please note, these figures relate solely to VR's and CR's that have been paid from the Central Redundancy Provision and therefore does not include CR's funded by departments

2017  £608K  £106k 2018  £705K  £25k 2019 (Jan – Sept) £603K  £26k TOTAL:  £9.4m  £975k

2. A total of 214 VR applications have been approved to date. The table below provides a breakdown by year:

A total of 72 people have been made compulsory redundant to date. The table below provides a breakdown by year:

Cost of Producing Answer

As a means of giving an approximate indication to the time and cost of producing an answer to a written question, it has been decided that answers shall include a cost, broken down by civil service grade:

Civil Servant Grade 8 x 1 hour: £26 Civil Servant Grade 13 x 30 minutes: £20 DG Level x15 minutes: £20.25

Total: £66.25

13. DEPUTY K.F. MOREL OF ST. LAWRENCE OF THE CHAIR OF THE STATES EMPLOYMENT BOARD REGARDING THE SELECTION PANELS ON WHICH THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER HAS SAT: (WQ.487/2019)

Question

Will the Chair provide a list of the job titles of all the roles for which the Chief Executive Officer has sat on the selection panel since the Chief Executive Officer's appointment?

Answer

As of the 4th November 2019, the Chief Executive Officer has sat on the selection panel of 30 roles. All of these roles were chaired and over seen by the Jersey Appointments Commission.

Director General Customer and Local Services

Director of Local Services

Group Director of Customer Services

Group Director of Customer Operations

Director General Children, Young People, Education and Skills Director of Safeguarding

Director, Young People, Further Education, Skills and Learning Director General Health and Community Services

Group Managing Director Health and Community Services Director General Justice and Home Affair

Group Director Public Protection and Law Enforcement

Chief of Police

Chief of Staff

Director of Communications

Director of Risk and Audit

Director General Growth Housing and Environment

Director of Property and Special Projects

Group Director Economy and Partnership

Group Director Operations and Transport

Director General Strategy, Policy, Performance and Population Group Director Policy

Director Corporate Planning and Performance

Director Strategy and Innovation

Chief Operating Officer

Group Director People and Corporate Services

Director Commercial Services

Group Director Modernisation and Digital

Comptroller and Auditor General (Non-Voting Member)

Chief Executive Ports Jersey Chief Executive Jersey Finance Cost of Producing Answer

As a means of giving an approximate indication to the time and cost of producing an answer to a written question, it has been decided that answers shall include a cost, broken down by civil service grade:

Civil Servant Grade 8 x 15 minutes: £13.00 DG Level x15 minutes: £20.25

Total: £33.25

14. DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING ACCESS TO RETINAL SCREENING APPOINTMENTS: (WQ.488/2019)

Question

How many patients have accessed a retinal screening appointment since a Government statement was released on 25th February 2019 to invite patients with diabetes to attend such screenings; and what progress, if any, has been made in increasing access to this service since that time?

Answer

In February 2019, a process of risk stratification was completed on all patients listed on the Diabetes Centre register. 778 patients considered the highest risk of Retinopathy were invited for screening. Of this cohort, 440 patients attended and their images were graded by a locum retinal consultant. These images have subsequently been sent to a specialist team at Gloucester NHS Foundation Trust for a second grading.

Screening was paused as of the 9 July 2019 to permit continued development of the service with anticipated recommencement of the service towards the end of November 2019. Unfortunately, due to a number of significant challenges around IT, long-term sickness and delivery on contracts, we cannot realistically expect the retinal screening programme to be operational until January 2020.

A project board has been established to oversee the continued development of retinal screening. This board meets monthly, with quarterly conference calls with specialists in Gloucester NHS.

• A retinal screening programme manager and quality assurance advisor to Public Health England with over 15 years' experience in the field had been seconded from the NHS for 12 months to support development of the local service. This individual is currently unavailable for the next 2 months, so a person within HCS has been sourced to give some support to the programme during this interim period.

• The contract with Gloucester NHS Foundation Trust to provide assessment of retinal images captured in Jersey is near completion. This will ensure Jersey benefits from the quality assurance measures and experience of a much larger programme. The data protection agreement with Gloucester will be finalised once the contract is signed.

• A Jersey service specification is being developed in consultation with stakeholder groups to tailor the service to the needs of patients and healthcare professionals. This will incorporate the learning and developments in this field which have occurred over the last 10 years so that the local service makes use of the latest technology to promote access, uptake, patient satisfaction and efficiency.

• The entire retinal screening pathway will be supported by a specialised software package in use by numerous programmes (both in the UK and other countries). This will enable accurate data collection so that Jersey outcomes and performance can be benchmarked.

To keep the momentum of the programme going, the decision has been made to take a two-phased approach:

Phase One:

1. Deliver a retinal screening programme with 4 screening sessions per week to be held within the Ophthalmology Department.
2. Grading/clinical outcome to be undertaken by Gloucester NHS, with clinical leadership and support for the development and sign off of retinal screening clinical pathways.

Phase Two:  

1. To establish local clinical leadership for the programme, preferably within Ophthalmology.
2. Explore the option of community setting for screening clinics (one establishment sourced in St Brelade).
3. Explore the option of OCT surveillance clinics which will reduce the number of consultant follow-up patients within Ophthalmology (equivalent of 1 clinic per week).
4. Introduce structured failsafe systems which will avoid duplication of Ophthalmology referrals.

To conclude, high-risk patients have been recalled for screening with a robust grading quality assurance process and assessment of harm being undertaken by a specialist at Gloucester NHS Foundation Trust. The new redesigned service will mitigate previous risks and provide assurance to diabetes suffers that they are being provided with the best possible care in Jersey.

15. DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS REGARDING DIVESTMENT IN COMPANIES THAT ARE RELIANT UPON FOSSIL FUELS AS A BASIS FOR THEIR ACTIVITIES: (WQ.489/2019)

Question

What work, if any, has the Minister undertaken with the finance sector to encourage or promote divestment in companies that are reliant upon fossil fuels as a basis for their activities; and, given the Assembly's previous declaration of a climate emergency, what is the timescale for such divestment to occur?

Answer

Work in response to the Assembly's declaration of a climate emergency is being carried out across Government. Government is working with Jersey Overseas Aid and Jersey Finance to encourage the use of socially responsible investment, which includes divestment of fossil fuel dependent activity. Government is also monitoring international progress in this area, such as in the EU and the work of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. Government has not proposed a timeline for financial services companies divesting in companies that are reliant upon fossil fuels as a basis for their activities.

16. DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION REGARDING LUNCH BREAKS IN THE ISLAND'S SCHOOLS: (WQ.490/2019)

Question

Will the Minister –

1. advise what guidance or direction, if any, is given to schools regarding the length of lunch breaks;
2. state how her Department ascertains that students in all of the Island's schools are able to access suitable food at lunches and have the time to do so, and whether the Department is currently certain that this is the case; and
3. provide a list showing the length of lunch breaks taken in the Island's schools, highlighting the minimum and maximum length currently taken?

Answer

1. Head teachers are responsible for determining internal timings of the school day. Any changes to the start and finish times of the day must be consulted upon with the Department, who will advise on consultation with parents and stakeholders (e.g. neighbouring schools, bus company etc.)
2. The healthy eating in schools programme, and school food standards are linked to the Governments Food and Nutrition Strategy for all schools who provide a hot meal service. Where this service is not provided the parents are responsible for providing a packed lunch.

(c)

17. DEPUTY S.M.  AHIER  OF  ST.  HELIER  OF  THE  MINISTER  FOR INFRASTRUCTURE  REGARDING  THE  PROPERTIES  OCCUPIED  BY  THE GOVERNMENT OF JERSEY: (WQ.491/2019)

Question  

Will the Minister advise the Assembly –

1. how many properties owned bythe States of Jersey are being used by Government departments;
2. how many properties are currently being rented to accommodate Government departments;
3. how much rent is being paid for each of the properties listed under (b); and

4. in light of the intention to accommodate Government departments in one building, how much money it is estimated would be saved per year by having such a purpose-built One Gov building' for Government departments?

Answer

1. Government  departments  currently  occupy 28  main  sites,  12  of  which  are  owned  by the Government  and  16  of  which  are  privately-owned.  The  12  Government-owned  sites  have multiple uses, such as Peter Crill House, which is primarily a medical site, but also houses offices. This question is ambiguous, as we might include, for example, schools used by Children, Young People, Education and Skills to provide education or day care centres used by Health and Community Services to provide care. These examples have not been included in this list.
2. The Government currently leases 16 office buildings; nine of which are solely floors or parts of buildings, as opposed to whole buildings. The attached table names the 16 offices and their locations and the Government departments occupying them.
3. The total rental paid out for these 16 properties is £3,354,703.17 a year. The rentals and licence fees paid for each individual office are deemed to be commercially confidential and are not being provided.
4. An outline business case is currently being prepared which will detail the savings, and which will be announced after the work has been formally signed off by the Council of Ministers. I am confident that the proposal will reduce both capital costs and running costs, by reducing the scale of our office estate. I expect it also to provide Government employees with fit-for-purpose office space

– which will enable them to work more effectively – and to enable us to vacate a number of sites, the sale of which will generate revenue and enable them to be put to other uses, such as, potentially, much-needed housing.

18. DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING  REGARDING  STAFF  TURNOVER  IN  THE  CHILDREN'S  SERVICE: (WQ.492/2019)

Question

Will the Minister provide a yearly breakdown of staff turnover in Children's Services from 2014 to date, indicating the departments and contract types (including agency staff) concerned?

Answer

The staffing establishment for Children's Services is shown in the table above along with the turnover figures to illustrate the changes in the service over the period 2014-2019. It should be noted that the overall staffing number increased in 2015 and 2016 after investment made by the Health and Social Services Department predominantly in the social care service which saw the staffing establishment double.

There is considerable variance in the staffing establishment across the period because:

• 2014-2016 includes Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)

• from 2015 onwards there was significant investment in the service

• 2017 includes a number of posts based at the Child Development Centre

• 2018 is the Children's Services social care establishment (only) which transferred to the Chief Minister's Department on the instruction of the Chief Minister

• 2019 is the current establishment as per the model set out in the Government of Jersey's Target Operating Model and includes CAMHS (not doctors) and posts transferring from Health and Community Services

The changes outlined above highlight the difficulty of making annual comparison.

The turnover figures in the table above relate to all staff working within the service and include:

• Social Workers

• Medical Consultation (Doctor) CAMHS (before they were decoupled from Children's)

• Nurse CAMHS

• Registered Childcare Officers

• Family Support Workers

• Admin/Secretarial

• Domestics – residential

Over the period January 2014 to October 2019 there has been an average turnover of 14.5 staff/annum (notwithstanding that the 2019 figures are only for 10 months).

It is important to note that the service now has a senior leadership team, made up of five permanent staff, committed to take the Children's Service forward. They will focus on developing a Service Development Plan that directly responds to Ofsted and the Care Inquiry, as well as instilling a robust quality and performance management culture relentlessly focused on improved outcomes for children.

19. DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING REGARDING COMPLAINTS MADE TO THE CHILDREN'S SERVICE: (WQ.493/2019)

Question

Will the Minister provide a breakdown of the number of complaints made to Children's Services in each of the past 5 years, indicating the grounds of the complaints and whether or not they were upheld?

Answer

The Children's Service receives complaints from time to time from children and their families. These complaints can range from those which could be considered as straightforward' in manner to those which are more complex and may include third party information or involve children who may be involved in legal or court proceedings. A significant number of children and families are involved with Children's Services through compulsion and not their own volition rather than a relationship which is more customer and provider'. This statutory compulsion can at times make for relationships where disagreement and tension exists.

Each complaint is unique to the individual circumstance and requires investigation and careful consideration. Often complaints may contain a number of issues that are linked and have to be investigated and responded to as part of one response. At times complaints may be raised about a child being removed from a parental or family home or conversely being allowed to remain in the care of an adult. These decisions may cause significant upset and distress to family members and result in a complaint; where this has been the result of court proceedings (with evidence tested and established) the circumstances will not be re-looked at outwith the legal process.

The main issues raised as complaints to the Children's Service include: attitude of staff, disagreement with assessment (sometimes described as factual accuracy), access to resources/practical support, disagreement with care plan (either to allow a child to remain or be cared for by an individual or removal into the care of the Minister), change of social worker (either wanting a change or unhappy about a change). Complaints are investigated and responded to in writing by a senior manager with each element of the complaint having a finding recorded set out ; Upheld', Partially Upheld', Not Upheld', where a complaint cannot be considered by the Service that is detailed.

In a small number of situations complainants will be unhappy about the response and will appeal, the complaint will be re-examined by a member of staff not involved in the compliant, if still unhappy the complainant can ask for a Stage 2 review where a panel made up of appropriate professionals and the Minister, if the complainant remains unhappy an further review will be undertaken by colleagues in a neighbouring jurisdiction and subsequently a final stage of the Independent Complaints Review Panel. In recent years the numbers of complainants seeking to go to Stage 2 and further is very small

- less than five (that descriptor is used in line with data protection requirements to ensure that individuals cannot be identified).

The nature of complaints to the service and the unique circumstances of each makes it difficult to collate exact numbers of complaints and findings for example one person may submit one complaint with three elements where one element is upheld, one not upheld and one partly upheld. That is not an exceptional occurrence. The same complaint may also be made on more than one occasion and requires consideration before a conclusion can be made about whether it is the same or slightly different. Information is recorded by individual's name not by the number of issues raised. There are rare occasions of individuals who may be considered vexatious complainers'.

In other jurisdictions complaints to Children's Services and other services working with vulnerable individuals are dealt with as part of a Statutory Complaints (recognising vulnerability and complexity of matters) – this is not the case in Jersey. This was an issue raised in the recent review carried out by the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry.

As part of ensuring that the voice of children and young people are heard, issues, comments and complaints can be raised and improving services there is significant expansion proposed to expand advocacy and participation services. This includes establishing and increasing the Children's Rights Service, commissioning advocacy and participation support to looked after children and care experienced individuals from a third sector organisation and establishing advocacy for children and young people in the child protection system or who may be considered children in need'

The data will be collated and provided as soon as possible.

20. DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING A DIGITAL SYSTEM FOR SHARING PATIENT RECORDS: (WQ.494/2019)

Question

Will the Minister state when, if at all, a digital system to allow the sharing of patient records between primary care providers and his Department will be put in place?

Answer

A secure digital platform has been established between primary care and Health and Community Services (live in October 2019) to support the sharing of patient records i.e. clinical information between primary care and HCS clinical information platforms.

Digital services that are being actively worked on and being developed between HCS and primary care include:

1. The ability for GPs to digitally request radiology tests and receive corresponding digital reports back – live clinical pilot started November 2019
2. The ability for GPs to digitally request pathology tests and receive corresponding digital reports back – clinical pilot to start Q1 2020
3. Integration of HCS diabetes centre provides a single view of the patient record between HCS (diabetes) and GPs and will be delivered during Q1 2020. This arrangement supports HCS's strategic objective of developing a shared patient care record.

Further HCS digital integration activities in support of the new model of care are in the pipeline for development and deployment during 2020-2023. These initiatives form part of our continuing health modernisation & digital programme of works that HCS is committed to deliver.

21. DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING THE RECORDING AND INVESTIGATION OF INSTANCES IN WHICH PATIENTS SUFFER ADVERSE SIDE EFFECTS FROM MEDICATION: (WQ.495/2019)

Question

How are instances where patients suffer adverse side effects from medication recorded and investigated in Jersey?

Answer

All medicines can cause side effects (commonly referred to as adverse drug reactions or ADRs by healthcare professionals). ADRs can be reported by healthcare professionals and the public using the Yellow Card Scheme which is coordinated by the UK medicines regulator – the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/the-yellow-card-scheme/

Jersey does not operate its own separate scheme but feeds into the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme, with all healthcare professionals encouraged to report any suspected ADRs via the online reporting system.

The Yellow Card Scheme is vital in helping the MHRA monitor the safety of all healthcare products in the UK to ensure they are acceptably safe for patients and those that use them. Reports can be made for all medicines including vaccines, blood factors and immunoglobulins, herbal medicines and homeopathic remedies, and all medical devices available on the UK market. From 20 May 2016, the

MHRA also started collecting reports of safety concerns associated with e-cigarette products through the Yellow Card Scheme.

The Scheme collects information on suspected problems or incidents involving:

1. side effects (also known as adverse drug reactions or ADRs)
2. medical device adverse incidents
3. defective medicines (those that are not of an acceptable quality)
4. counterfeit or fake medicines or medical devices
5. safety concerns for e-cigarettes or their refill containers (e-liquids).

It is important for people to report problems experienced with medicines or medical devices as these are used to identify issues which might not have been previously known about. The MHRA will review the product if necessary and take action to minimise risk and maximise benefit to patients. The MHRA is also able to investigate counterfeit or fake medicines or devices and, if necessary, take action to protect public health.

Side effects reported on Yellow Card are evaluated, together with additional sources of information such as clinical trial data, medical literature or data from international medicines regulators, to identify previously unknown safety issues. These reports are assessed by a team of medicine safety experts made up of doctors, pharmacists and scientists who study the benefits and risks of medicines. If a new side effect is identified, the safety profile of the medicine in question is carefully looked at, as well as the side effects of other medicines used to treat the same condition. The MHRA takes action, whenever necessary, to ensure that medicines are used in a way that minimises risk, while maximising patient benefit.

22. DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING THE INSTANCES IN WHICH DETAILS OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S CIRCUMSTANCES CAN BE SHARED WITH OTHER AGENCIES WITHOUT THE INDIVIDUAL'S CONSENT: (WQ.496/2019)

Question

Under what circumstances does the Minister's Department disclose an individual's employment and benefits status, and related details, to other departments or agencies without the individual's consent?

Answer

As Minister for Social Security, this answer relates to laws and schemes under my political remit. The Customer and Local Services Department processes data across a wide range of government functions which fall under the responsibility of a number of other Ministers.

In respect of the processing of benefits, data can be disclosed without consent when there is a legal right to do so and this power is exercised within the remit of the Data Protection Law. The data sharing is undertaken mainly under the condition of public function. (Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018 - Schedule 2 Part 1 (4) and Part 2 (13)).

23. THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. MARTIN OF THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS REGARDING THE POTENTIAL LEGISLATIVE CHANGES ARISING FROM THE EXTENSION OF THE U.K.'S MEMBERSHIP OF THE WORLD TRADE ORGANISATION TO JERSEY: (WQ.497/2019)

Will the Minister outline what legislative changes, if any, will need to be adopted by the States Assembly in preparation for the potential extension of the territorial scope of the U.K.'s membership of the World Trade Organisation (W.T.O.) to Jersey and provide a timetable for when any such legislative changes will be brought to the Assembly for debate; and will the Minister also advise whether it is envisaged that extension of the territorial scope would require Jersey to contribute to the W.T.O. budget and, if so, whether the minimum contribution of 0.015% would apply or whether a higher contribution rate would be required?

Answer

The formal notification sent by the UK Foreign Secretary confirms that the extension of the Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization to Jersey will take effect on the date that the United Kingdom exits the European Union, or else at the end of a transition period which is agreed between the UK and EU.

Ensuring the extension of UK membership of WTO before Brexit occurs means that Jersey may enjoy the benefits of international trade rules in the areas of goods, services and intellectual property alongside other WTO members, including EU Member States. This result represents the conclusion of a political and diplomatic process that has been an objective of the Government of Jersey for over 20 years.

With regard to legislative changes, none are required for extension. There is no WTO budget contribution required from Jersey.

The Ministry for External Relations is currently concluding the "Let's Talk Trade" public consultation to seek local views and evidence on the shape of Jersey's future international trade policy, and the opportunities presented under WTO membership are explored as part of this exercise.

24. THE CONNÉTABLE OF ST. MARTIN OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE REPRESENTATION OF JERSEY'S INTERESTS AT WESTMINSTER: (WQ.498/2019)

Question

In light of recent comments made by the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (A.P.P.G.) for the Channel Islands regarding Jersey's relationship with Westminster, does the Chief Minister intend to conduct any work in respect of the possibility of the Island being represented at Westminster; and if so, will this include introducing new formal links with the U.K. Parliament beyond the A.P.P.G., as well as discussing with States Members how best to represent the Island's interests in that Parliament?

Answer

As a self-governing parliamentary democracy, Jersey does not require and is not seeking formal representation  in  the UK Parliament. No work is  being conducted on the possibility of such representation.

Nonetheless, given the historic closeness and ongoing importance of the Jersey-UK relationship, the Government of Jersey is always seeking to strengthen and improve links with Westminster. The Chief Minister and Minister of External Relations hold regular Government-to-Government discussions with UK Ministers. They also hold regular engagements with other senior UK Parliamentarians, supported by the Jersey London Office.

Such engagement includes, but is not limited to, interaction with the A.P.P.G. for the Channel Islands, which is comprised of Parliamentarians from across the political spectrum and which exists to explore and promote the Islands' interests within Parliament. It should be noted that the A.P.P.G. does not hold any formal responsibility to represent the Islands in Parliament, and that the interests of Jersey and our fellow Crown Dependencies will continue to be managed across official channels through the Ministry of Justice. In a broader international context, engagement with the UK Parliament also takes place through Jersey's participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Ministers would be pleased to meet any Member to discuss any suggestions for future engagement. Cost of Producing Answer  

As a means of giving an approximate indication to the time and cost of producing an answer to a written question, it has been decided that answers shall include a cost, broken down by civil service grade:

Civil Servant Grade 11 x 15mins: £7.20 Civil Servant Grade 13 x 60mins: £35.40 Civil Servant Grade 15 x 15mins: £11.25 Total: £53.85

25. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING DEPARTMENTAL EXPENDITURE ON WAGES AND SALARIES: (WQ.499/2019)

Question

Will the Minister provide members with a table showing the proposed 2020 departmental heads of revenue expenditure and indicating the estimated sums to be spent within those heads of expenditure (both in real terms and as a proportion of total revenue expenditure) on wages and salaries and further indicating the estimated Full Time Equivalent (F.T.E.) staff numbers to be employed within each department at the close of 2020; and will she also state what estimates, if any, have been applied to pay inflation within the figures provided?

Answer

The information requested is provided in the following table. Note these figures reflect proposed departmental efficiencies and that no estimates for pay inflation have been applied to the figures. Given the significant changes to departmental expenditure FTE numbers below are best estimates.

26. DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER OFTHE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING  REGARDING  THE  NUMBER  OF  PEOPLE  SLEEPING  ROUGH  IN JERSEY: (WQ.500/2019)

Question

Will the Minister state –

1. what the figures are for those sleeping rough in Jersey in 2019;
2. which Government departments and agencies monitor the health and wellbeing of these individuals and how; and
3. how many people who have died in 2019 were recorded as being rough sleepers at the time of their death?

Answer

1. Information is not available on the number of people who have been sleeping rough in Jersey during 2019.

As part of the homelessness review, a survey was undertaken with the Shelter Trust and Sanctuary Trust on 16th August 2019 to provide a snapshot of the number of people who were residing in their

properties at a given time. The survey showed that 117 people required temporary accommodation on that date. While the figure does not indicate the level of rough sleeping in Jersey, it does provide an overview of the number of people who are homeless or living in vulnerable housing situations.

2. Government agencies who support rough sleepers (and people who would be classed as homeless) include Adult Social Services, the Drug and Alcohol Service and Community Mental Health. There is also a safeguarding unit in Customer and Local Services that assists people who are homeless or living in vulnerable housing situations and who require support.

In addition, the Government works in partnership with the Shelter Trust (as well as other charitable organisations) to provide accommodation and support to people who are homeless, and funding is provided to support the service provided by the Trust.

3. Information is not available on the number of people who were recorded as sleeping rough in Jersey at the time of their death during 2019.

The need for an effective evidence-base to understand the extent and nature of homelessness in Jersey has been identified as a priority as part of the homelessness review and strategy. Some third sector organisations are collecting information on the number of homeless persons in the island, but there is not a standardised dataset to provide a consistent picture on the issue.

The need to improve the way that data on homelessness is collected and analysed is likely to feature as a recommendation in the homelessness strategy, which will be published in early 2020. The data will help to inform policy development and help address gaps in accommodation and support provision.

27. DEPUTY R.J. WARD OF ST. HELIER OF THE CHIEF MINISTER REGARDING THE GRANTING OF ENTITLED STATUS UNDER REGULATION 2(1)(E) OF THE CONTROL  OF  HOUSING  AND  WORK  (RESIDENTIAL  AND  EMPLOYMENT STATUS) (JERSEY) REGULATIONS 2013: (WQ.501/2019)

Question

How  many  Entitled  statuses  under  Regulation  2(1)(e)  of  the  Control  of  Housing  and  Work (Residential and Employment Status) (Jersey) Regulations 2013, if any, were granted in the last 3 years to people who were already employed by, or otherwise found to be associated with, a Jersey company?

Answer

Cost of Producing Answer

As a means of giving an approximate indication to the time and cost of producing an answer to a written question, it has been decided that answers shall include a cost, broken down by civil service grade:

Civil Servant Grade 14 x 1 hour: £42

28. DEPUTY M. TADIER OF ST. BRELADE OF THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE REGARDING CONSULTATION IN RESPECT OF THE USE OF THE EXISTING LES QUENNEVAIS SCHOOL SITE: (WQ.502/2019)

Question

What consultation is it planned will be undertaken with residents of Les Quennevais regarding any future development of the existing Les Quennevais School site; when is any such consultation likely to commence and what form will it take?

Answer

This question is similar to an oral one asked by the Deputy in 2018, and the present answer is consistent with the one given by my predecessor last year. Full public consultation, including with the residents of Les Quennevais, on the future use of Le Quennevais school will take place once the options have been developed and are available. This work is currently underway with the key stakeholders to ensure that proposals meet the future needs of the Island, as identified through the emerging Island Property Estates Strategy and Revised Island Plan. On this basis, proposals for public consultation are likely to be available in mid-2020. In the interim, it is open for the Parish or any party to submit their thoughts to JPH should they wish to do so.

29. DEPUTY M. TADIER OF ST. BRELADE OF THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT REGARDING THE EXPECTED RISE IN SEA LEVELS: (WQ.503/2019)

Question

What level of sea rises are expected by the Minister's department in Jersey over the next 30 years and what provisions, if any, are being considered in terms of –

1. improvements to coastal defences; and
2. planning restrictions in areas of the Island that may be susceptible to temporary or permanent flooding, resulting from either higher sea levels or more frequent storms?

Answer

Over the last 2 years officers from Growth Housing and Environment and Strategy, Policy, Performance and Planning led by the Minister for Infrastructure and the Minister for Environment have been developing a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP). The draft SMP was out for public consultation between July and September this year and is available to view on www.gov.je/shorelineplan. The final SMP will be published in January 2020.

States Members briefings on the SMP were delivered on 2nd May and 25th June 2019 to which all members were invited.

The Planning Policy team has been closely involved in the SMP project from the outset, with the timing of the project specifically being set so that it would feed into the Island Plan Review process that is currently underway. This will enable the development of an appropriate policy response in the new Island Plan to ensure that the implications of climate change can be explicitly considered in the planning process.

The SMP examines the risk of coastal flooding using the UK's National Oceanography Centre guidance to assess the impact of climate change on flood risk in the future which recommends using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's RCP8.5' climate change emission scenario ("business as usual"). The likely range under this scenario is from 0.53-0.98m by 2100 and for 2050 it is estimated to be between about 0.18m and 0.30m. The SMP is planning for the next 100 years and uses the 50th percentile results under the RCP8.5 scenario which gives a sea level rise prediction of 0.83 metres by 2120.

The SMP details the management intent for the Island's coastline over the next 100 years with the aim of preventing and managing the effects of coastal erosion and flooding, through assessing the impact of climate change on rising sea levels over time. It assesses the risk of coastal erosion and flooding using hydraulic modelling, historic maps and beach surveys and highlights the areas of the coastline which are likely to flood during a range of different intensity storm events. It takes into consideration the coastal defences already in place and their condition.

The SMP aims to maintain existing defences or identify new defences which will be required to protect against coastal flooding up to a 1:200 year return period event (a storm event which is predicted to occur, on average, once every 200 years. The SMP will be reviewed every 10 years to respond to advancements in climate change predictions and sea level rise predictions.

30. DEPUTY M. TADIER OF ST. BRELADE OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION REGARDING STUDENTS WITH POLISH, ROMANIAN OR PORTUGUESE AS A FIRST OR ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE: (WQ.504/2019)

Question

Will the Minister advise how many Jersey students (between the ages of 4 and 18) have been recorded with Polish, Romanian or Portuguese as a first or additional language; and will she state whether it is her intention to ensure that some (or all) of these languages are made available as a standard part of the G.C.S.E. syllabus, funded by her Department; if so, will she explain what work is taking place in this regard and, if not, will she explain why not?

Answer

Pupils recorded with an additional language  

Our September 2019 census numbers show that the number of pupils in all Jersey schools (including private schools) with a first language other than English is:

Polish - 547 Portuguese – 1,592 Romanian - 134

From working with schools, it may be the case that some families who speak more than one language at home are registering their children with schools as having English as their first language because their children are fluent in English. This, therefore, reduces the number of children recorded as speaking more than one language. We are working with schools and the data collection team to improve this situation, but current numbers may be an under-estimate.

Please note, a pupil's first language is defined as;

The language that a pupil was exposed to during early development and continues to be exposed to in the home or community. If a pupil was exposed to more than one language (which may include English) during early development, a language other than English should be recorded, irrespective of the pupil's proficiency in English.

Portuguese

GCSE Portuguese is available to pupils across the island through the provision created by the PROTOCOL OF COOPERATION BETWEEN CAMÕES – INSTITUTO DA COOPERAÇÃO E DA LÍNGUA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF JERSEY. Teachers employed by CAMÕES work in Jersey schools delivering Portuguese to KS2, GCSE and A level students. Students choose whether to take GCSE and A level exams (paid for by their home school) as well as or instead of the CAMÕES exams which are taken each June.

Currently most pupils are taught Portuguese as an after school class and parents pay a contribution towards the CAMÕES resources and examination entry. Portuguese GCSE entries and resources are supported from school budgets.

Polish

Pupils who wish to add GCSE Polish to their GCSE options are usually supported by their schools to prepare for the examinations and have their examination fees paid as part of their suite of qualifications. Some schools will offer this support within the school day, others as an after school provision.

Romanian

Currently there is no GCSE available for the Romanian language. Languages provision with GCSE options

Each school arranges their option blocks to suit their cohorts. GCSE options will often change from year to year and different schools offer different combinations of subjects. All Jersey schools ensure that every pupil has access to an entitlement of English, mathematics and science options at GCSE, and some schools make a modern foreign language an additional entitlement. Further options will reflect pupil requests and interests, whilst accommodating maximum and minimum class size limits.

31. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES REGARDING THE AFFORDABILITY OF PRIMARY CARE: (WQ.505/2019)

Question

Further to the responses to Written Question 464/2019 and Oral Question 265/2019, will the Minister –

1. advise whether it is his assessment that there is an urgent need for action to make G.P. consultations affordable for those in clinical, financial or social need;
2. state what action, if any, he is prepared to take in order to make the cost of such consultations affordable to those in clinical, financial or social need;
3. state whether he will lodge an amendment to the Government Plan that would explicitly deliver lower-cost primary care; and
4. advise which groups are at the top on his priority list when considering the delivery of affordable primary care and state what consideration, if any, has been given to the role means- testing could play in the development of proposals in this area?

Answer

Parts A and B of this detailed question refer to GP consultations. Parts C and D refer to primary care. The question does not refer at all to the new Jersey Care Model (JCM).

As Minister for Health and Social Services, one of my highest priorities for urgent action is to continue the exemplary work that has been undertaken in the last few months to develop the JCM. This work is vital to creating a holistic, patient-centred health system and will form the basis of planning for the new hospital and the development of a sustainable health system to serve Jersey for many years to come. The Government Plan includes a commitment to develop a model to support access to primary care for financially vulnerable individuals.

The development of the JCM will create a new relationship between government and general practitioners. It will also create and strengthen relationships with many other types of health care providers. Working together across primary care, a range of professions will support local people with their healthcare needs in the future. The role of patient fees in the new system will be developed over the next few months following an intensive exercise to be undertaken by health economists who will consider and validate each aspect of the JCM. That work will start in December and is anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2020.

Completing this validation process to enable the JCM to begin implementation in the second half of 2020 is a high priority. This will begin the transformation of our existing primary and secondary care services and the settings in which these are delivered. The focus in this time period is to complete these preparatory steps comprehensively, but also as quickly as possible to allow the new system to commence. Given this significant and transformational workstream, it would not be a good use of public resources to undertake work on making adjustments to the current primary care system in advance of the completion of the validation exercise. Once that high-level work is complete, the Government will be ready to address any barriers to access that might be faced by patients in the new system.

To address the 4 parts in turn:

1. advise whether it is his assessment that there is an urgent need for action to make G.P. consultations affordable for those in clinical, financial or social need;

There is an urgent need for action to reaffirm and redesign the role of the GP within the overall healthcare system. This work is currently underway as part of the development of the Jersey Care Model. Following a detailed financial analysis of the model, plans will be drawn up during 2020 to address any financial barriers faced by patients who require GP consultations under the JCM. Initial plans suggest that many activities currently undertaken by GPs will be provided through other appropriate healthcare professionals in future (for example, practice nurses or community pharmacists). Some services will be provided free of charge and others will still require a patient fee. Some services will be provided outside of the traditional GP surgery. For example, last week the Listening Lounge was opened. This community-based free service provides direct support for people with mental health issues.

2. state what action, if any, he is prepared to take in order to make the cost of such consultations affordable to those in clinical, financial or social need;

Detailed work will be undertaken during 2020 to identify potential barriers to accessing healthcare as part of the Jersey Care Model. Initial plans suggest that individuals with long-term conditions which need regular monitoring will receive this as part of a patient pathway which will be provided free to the patient. Where fees are retained in the new system, plans will be drawn up as part of the overall implementation to support low income groups with these costs. Embedding health services within communities will help to ensure that hard to reach groups are encouraged to access the health system and are signposted to appropriate health and wellbeing advice and education.

3. state whether he will lodge an amendment to the Government Plan that would explicitly deliver lower-cost primary care;

There is no need to lodge an amendment as the Government Plan already includes a commitment to support financially vulnerable people in 2020 and this commitment will be fulfilled during 2020 within the context of the Jersey Care Model. The Government's commitment (on page 47) is to:

"Deliver new models of primary care including:

• the development of a model to support access to primary care for financially vulnerable individuals."

4. advise which groups are at the top on his priority list when considering the delivery of affordable primary care and state what consideration, if any, has been given to the role means- testing could play in the development of proposals in this area?

As noted above, a full economic and operational analysis of the healthcare system has been commissioned with work starting in Jersey in December this year. Once this is complete, the findings will be incorporated into the detailed plans for supporting low income groups in 2020

32. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING MEASURES UNDER CONSIDERATION TO IMPROVE THE AFFORDABILITY OF PRIMARY CARE: (WQ.506/2019)

Question

Further to the responses provided by the Minister for Health and Social Services to Written Question 464/2019 and Oral Question 265/2019, will the Minister –

1. advise whether it is her assessment that there is an urgent need for action to make G.P. consultations affordable for those in clinical, financial or social need;
2. state what action, if any, she is prepared to take in order to make the cost of such consultations affordable to those in clinical, financial or social need;
3. state whether she will lodge an amendment to the Government Plan that would explicitly deliver lower-cost primary care; and
4. advise which groups are at the top on her priority list when considering the delivery of affordable primary care and state what consideration, if any, has been given to the part means- testing could play in the development of proposals in this area?

Answer

Parts A and B of this detailed question refer to GP consultations. Parts C and D refer to primary care. The question does not refer at all to the new Jersey Care Model (JCM).

I fully support the Minister for Health and Social Services, who has identified one of his highest priorities for urgent action is to continue the exemplary work that has been undertaken in the last few months to develop the JCM. This work is vital to creating a holistic, patient-centred health system and will form the basis of planning for the new hospital and the development of a sustainable health system to serve Jersey for many years to come. The Government Plan includes a commitment to develop a model to support access to primary care for financially vulnerable individuals.

The development of the JCM will create a new relationship between government and general practitioners. It will also create and strengthen relationships with many other types of health care providers. Working together across primary care, a range of professions will support local people with their healthcare needs in the future. The role of patient fees in the new system will be developed over the next few months following an intensive exercise to be undertaken by health economists who will consider and validate each aspect of the JCM. That work will start in December and will be completed in the first half of 2020.

I fully support the HSS Minister's view that completing this validation process to enable the JCM to begin implementation in the second half of 2020 should be a high priority. This will begin the transformation of our existing primary and secondary care services and the settings in which these are delivered. I support the HSS Minister's decision to complete these preparatory steps comprehensively, but also as quickly as possible to allow the new system to commence. Given this significant and transformational workstream, it would not be a good use of public resources to undertake work on making adjustments to the current primary care system in advance of the

completion of the validation exercise. Once that high-level work is complete, I understand that the Government will promptly develop plans to address any barriers to access that might be faced by patients in the new system.

To address the 4 parts in turn:

1. advise whether it is his assessment that there is an urgent need for action to make G.P. consultations affordable for those in clinical, financial or social need;

There is an urgent need for action to reaffirm and redesign the role of the GP within the overall healthcare system. This work is currently underway as part of the development of the Jersey Care Model. Following a detailed financial analysis of the model, plans will be drawn up during 2020 to address any financial barriers faced by patients who require GP consultations under the JCM. Initial plans suggest that many activities currently undertaken by GPs will be provided through other appropriate healthcare professionals in future (for example, practice nurses or community pharmacists). Some services will be provided free of charge and others will still require a patient fee. Some services will be provided outside of the traditional GP surgery. For example, last week the Listening Lounge was opened. This community-based free service provides direct support for people with mental health issues.

2. state what action, if any, he is prepared to take in order to make the cost of such consultations affordable to those in clinical, financial or social need;

Detailed work will be undertaken during 2020 to identify potential barriers to accessing healthcare as part of the Jersey Care Model. Initial plans suggest that individuals with long-term conditions which need regular monitoring will receive this as part of a patient pathway which will be provided free to the patient. Where fees are retained in the new system, plans will be drawn up as part of the overall implementation to support low income groups with these costs. Embedding health services within communities will help to ensure that hard to reach groups are encouraged to access the health system and are signposted to appropriate health and wellbeing advice and education.

3. state whether he will lodge an amendment to the Government Plan that would explicitly deliver lower-cost primary care;

There is no need to lodge an amendment as the Government Plan already includes a commitment to support financially vulnerable people in 2020 and this commitment will be fulfilled during 2020 within the context of the Jersey Care Model. This is detailed on page 47:

"Deliver new models of primary care including:

• the development of a model to support access to primary care for financially vulnerable individuals."

4. advise which groups are at the top on his priority list when considering the delivery of affordable primary care and state what consideration, if any, has been given to the role means- testing could play in the development of proposals in this area?

As noted above, a full economic and operational analysis of the healthcare system has been commissioned by the Health and Community Services Department with work starting in Jersey in December this year. Once this is complete, the findings will be incorporated into the detailed plans for supporting low income groups in 2020.

33. DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CONSULTATION, LIVING TODAY, THINKING AHEAD': (WQ.507/2019)

Will the Minister update members on the actions taken to implement the findings and results of the consultation Living Today, Thinking Ahead' and, in particular, will she advise when she will lodge a Proposition to extend the period for which Maternity Allowance can be claimed from 18 weeks to 26 weeks, given this was a proposal that was strongly supported by consultees?

Answer

The results of the consultation "Living Today, Thinking Ahead" were published as R.25/2018. The findings of the consultation are being acted on as follows:

• Strong support for contributory benefits to continue to include benefits for bereavement and parenting.

No action needed

• Strong support for requiring a longer period of payments into the scheme before benefits can be claimed.

• Eligibility rules for benefits are confusing and particularly difficult for new residents to understand.

These issues will be considered in 2020 as part of the implementation plan in respect of changes to migration policy.

• Some support for a longer period of maternity allowance

As part of the commitment made in the Government Plan 2020-2023, the Minister has acknowledged the need to move to a more family friendly labour market, one which recognises the role of all parents in the care of their children.

In parallel with the Assembly's approval of the "Family Friendly" changes to the Employment Law on October 22nd 2019, in 2020 the Minister intends to make changes to the existing maternity

allowance contributory benefit so that both parents will be eligible to receive it. In addition, the length of time this allowance can be claimed will be increased to 32 weeks (shared between the parents). For example, this could allow a mother to claim 26 weeks of allowance and her partner to claim 6 weeks. The proposal to fund these additional weeks from increases in the higher level of employer contributions also reflects the views of the public in their response to the consultation.

The Minister's proposals are described on page 75 of the Government Plan:

Amend the social security scheme to provide benefits to both parents. The contributory benefit system currently only supports a birth mother with a weekly allowance of £216 per week while she is off work caring for a new baby. As part of the Social Security Review, we have acknowledged the need to move to a more family friendly labour market, which acknowledges the role of all parents in the care of their children.

In 2020, we will make changes to contributory benefits so that both parents will be able to receive parental benefits. This will be funded from two changes to Social Security contributions. We will increase the cap on earnings from £176,000 to £250,000; we will also increase the contributions rate received from employers of higher-earning workers, and high-earning self-employed people, from 2% to 2.5%.

These changes are anticipated to generate an additional £3.35 million in 2020.

Subject to Assembly approval of the Government Plan, it is the intention for these changes to the maternity allowance to come into force alongside the revised Employment legislation in the third quarter of 2020. The required legislative changes will be lodged according to this timescale.

34. DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION SERVICE AND U.K. CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES: (WQ.508/2019)

Question

Will the Minister advise members –

1. whether there are any agreements between Jersey's Customs and Immigration Service and the U.K.'s customs authorities with respect to the collection of V.A.T. on goods posted or sent from Jersey to the U.K.;
2. whether he is aware of any parcels being held up, either in Jersey or the U.K., in order that it can be checked whether V.A.T. is payable and, if so, state for how long, on average, such parcels are delayed or detained and the procedure used to recover the V.A.T. payments from the sender or recipient;
3. whether there are any reciprocal agreements whereby the U.K.'s customs authorities collect G.S.T. for the Customs and Immigration Service and, if so, what amount of money has been raised each year since they began collecting this tax and, if there are no such reciprocal agreements but they exist in relation to V.A.T., why Jersey is providing this service for the U.K. authorities in relation to V.A.T.; and
4. what rules are followed in determining whether V.A.T. is applicable to any parcel or shipment and who is responsible for making that determination?

Answer

1. There exists a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Jersey Customs & Immigration Service (JCIS) and Jersey Post Limited (Jersey Post) namely, the UK Import VAT Accounting Scheme (IVAS) or the Scheme', which consists of arrangements for:

"The accounting of UK Import VAT on all commercial consignments (excluding alcohol, tobacco and tobacco products) not exceeding the statistical threshold of £873 in value, that would otherwise be chargeable on goods on importation into the UK."

2. HMRC established the Scheme to allow locally registered IVAS traders to pay VAT on mail order goods only exported to the UK via Jersey Post. Being party to the Scheme removes friction at the UK border meaning consignments can move unhindered by HMRC fiscal checks. This enables goods to be delivered directly to the customer without incurring any further charges or delay. These are important benefits for the IVAS trader. The Scheme was introduced in response to the UK Governments decision to remove the Low Value Consignment Relief (LCVR) for goods originating in the Channel Islands. The Minister is not aware ofany delays either here or in the UK to parcels sent under the Scheme.

The IVAS trader is obliged to submit a retrospective monthly report to Jersey Post detailing all sales for all goods sent under the Scheme. The VAT liability is determined by the conditions detailed in (a) above and the prevailing UK VAT rate for the good in question. The IVAS trader then remits the UK import VAT due to Jersey Post, who in turn send the total amount collected from all the IVAS traders to HMRC. This happens once a month.

3. The Government of Jersey is not providing this service. Instead, Jersey Post are recompensed by HMRC to operate and administer the Scheme on their behalf. HMRC does not collect GST on behalf of JCIS, nor does JCIS have any such arrangement with Royal Mail.

Although the UK removed LVCR Jersey still maintains a low value threshold of £240 before taxes, including GST, are collected. The majority of goods sent by mail from the UK fall below the £240 value threshold.

4. Any commercial consignment sent by post outside of the Scheme is potentially subject to UK import VAT at the point of entry into the UK. The amount payable is determinedby HMRC and depends on the prevailing VAT rate associated with the good/s.

35. DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND HOUSING REGARDING FOSTERING AND ADOPTION PROCESSES: (WQ.509/2019)

Question

Will the Minister set out the process followed by his Department when a child is taken from their parent(s) for fostering and / or adoption (providing a flow diagram in addition to any written explanation, if possible); will he explain the rights of the parent(s) and siblings at each stage of this process; and will he set out a table showing the number of children who were removed (a) for fostering and (b) for adoption in each of the last 10 years?

Answer

The term looked after children' refers to all children and young people who are in the care of the Minister.

Parental Responsibility and Foster Care

A child can be placed in foster care in one of 3 ways; (i) in accordance with article 17 of the Children (Jersey) Law (the Children Law), known colloquially as voluntary accommodation, (ii) by order of the Royal Court in accordance with articles 24 (care order), 30 (interim care order) and 37 (emergency protection order) of the Children Law or (iii) by police protection powers in accordance with article 41 of the Children Law.

When a child is voluntarily accommodated, a parent with parental responsibility retains responsibility and effectively delegates care of the child to the Minister. The Minister does not acquire parental responsibility, and a parent with parental responsibility can remove the child from foster care at any time. However, a child who has reached the age of 16 and who has agreed to being provided with accommodation cannot be removed from foster care by a parent without the young person's consent.

When a child is accommodated by virtue of a care order, an interim care order or an emergency protection order a parent with parental responsibility maintains responsibility. The difference is that the Minister also acquires parental responsibility and he has the power to determine the extent to which a parent may exercise their parental responsibility but only so far as the Minister is satisfied it is necessary to do so in order to safeguard or promote the child's welfare. A parent cannot remove a child who is subject to a court order from foster care without the consent of the Minister, or by further order of the Court.

A child may be taken or kept in police protection for a maximum period of 72 hours where there is reasonable cause to believe that the child would otherwise suffer significant harm. The child may be placed in foster care for the period of the police powers but neither the Minister nor the police acquire parental responsibility. A parent may not remove the child from foster care for the period of the police powers.

Parental Responsibility and Adoption

A child can be placed for adoption with the consent of each parent with parental responsibility in accordance with Article 13 Adoption (Jersey) Law 1961 (the Adoption Law'), the consent of a mother cannot be relied upon if it is given less than 6 weeks after the birth of the child. Alternatively, the Royal Court can make a declaration freeing the child for adoption in accordance with Article 12 of the Adoption Law. These are both preliminary steps ahead of a final adoption order being granted in accordance with Article 10 of the Adoption Law. Once an adoption order is made the child is treated in law as if they were not the child of any other person other than the adopter/s.

When a child has been placed for adoption by consent and an application for an adoption order has been made, the birth parent cannot remove the child from the prospective adoptive parents care without leave of the Court. Once an adoption order has been made the adoptive parent/s acquire sole parental responsibility for the child and the parental responsibility which the birth parent had is extinguished.

When a child has been declared free for adoption the Minister acquires parental responsibility pending the adoption order being made, and the parental responsibility of the birth parent is extinguished. Once the adoption order is made the adopters acquire sole parental responsibility and the parental responsibility that the Minster had by virtue of the declaration is extinguished.

It is important to note that for matters in proceedings parents are entitled to free legal advice from a specialist panel of child care lawyers and that children are appointed a guardian and if required separate legal representation. In relation to siblings if they are part of the proceedings they would also be appointed a guardian.

When a child becomes a Looked After Child, they are allocated an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO). The IRO's primary focus is to quality assure the care planning and review process for each child and to ensure that his/her current wishes and feelings are given full consideration.

Care planning and reviews are about bringing together children who are looked after, their families, carers and professionals, in order to plan for the care of the child and to review that plan on a regular basis. Effective care planning and review is underpinned by careful assessment of the needs of the child and making the right decisions about how to meet those needs.

Review meetings are carried out in line with timings specified in the Looked After Children Procedures. The first review must be held within 28 days of the date the child first becomes looked after. The second review should be no more than four months from the date when the child becomes looked after, and subsequent reviews, no more than six months after the previous one. In addition, a review must be held if there is a proposed change to the care plan. And must be held before that proposed change is implemented.

When meeting with the child before every review, the IRO is responsible for making sure that the child understands how having an advocate can help and their entitlement to one. This service is currently being commissioned to be delivered by an Independent organisation "Jersey Cares" and is expected to start delivery imminently. Until then this service can be provided by Barnardo's. In this process an advocate is someone to support children and young people in expressing their views; the word advocate' in this instance does not refer to a legal adviser. Children are also informed of their right to apply for a Care Order to be discharged or a Contact Order to be applied. Younger children will be advocated for by their carers.

Parents do not lose their PR at any point unless a Freeing Order is made prior to adoption.

Children have the right to ongoing contact with parents, siblings and wider family when it is in their best interest and safe for them to do so, this needs to be part of assessments before the Court.

The number of children who were removed (a) for fostering and (b) for adoption in each of the last 10 years?

We are not able to show the number of children removed for fostering in each of the past 10 years – the only historic data that we keep on children looked after is a monthly snapshot which would not include any children that started and ended a foster placement within a month (either because their looked after episode ended, or because of a placement move). Mosaic is the services electronic recording system and was implemented in late 2017, and we now have much better access to reliable data –We have shown in the table below how many children have been removed and placed in foster

care in 2018 and 2019 to date. We have given numbers of children in foster placements on 31st December in each of the years below. We've also given the number of adoptions, per year, for the last 10 years.

Number of children becoming looked after and placed in foster placements – 2018 and 2019

In 2018, 32 children became looked after and placed in foster care, compared with 16 so far in 2019. Around 60% of these children were initially looked after on a voluntary basis under Article 17, although their legal status may have subsequently changed.

Several children were looked after for a period, later returning to live with their parents, some continue to be looked after, while a small number have since been adopted. For those returning to live with their parents, several were looked after for less than a month.

Number of children looked after in foster placements

The table below shows the total number of children looked after as an end of year snapshot, with the total number of foster placements, either with connected carers or other foster carers:

Number of adoptions

The table below gives the number of adoptions per year, numbers less than 5 are not provided as this would risk revealing identifiable information.

NB children and not placements counted.

Requested Flow Charts are not currently available and will follow as soon as possible.

36. DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR TREASURY AND RESOURCES REGARDING THE COLLECTION BY JERSEY POST OF V.A.T. ON GOODS: (WQ.510/2019)

Question

Will the Minister, as shareholder representative, advise –

1. why Jersey Post is collecting V.A.T. on goods posted from Jersey to the United Kingdom (U.K.); and
2. what value of V.A.T. was collected as a result for each of the last 5 years and what the cost was of Jersey Post providing this service for the U.K. authorities?

Answer

The following response has been provided by Jersey Post.

Jersey Post offers an HMRC approved VAT prepayment scheme the intention of which is to minimise delays and extra costs to island residents and businesses sending items to the UK.

VAT is due on any commercial item sent from Jersey to the UK including anything sold by members of the public (for example, on eBay).

VAT is also due on any gift sent from Jersey to the UK that is valued over £39 (including the postage and packing).

Pre-paying VAT is the quickest and cheapest option to get items to the UK. Alternatively, residents and businesses in Jersey could send their items without pre-paying. This could lead to delays in Customs and the recipient would need to pay both the VAT and an £8 Royal Mail collection charge to claim the item.

The value of VAT collected over the past 5 years is as follows: - 2019 year to date £1.8m

2018  £1.3m

2017  £1.5m

2016  £2.3m

2015  £5.8m

The service is being provided by Jersey Post to the businesses and residents of Jersey and not to the UK authorities (i.e. HMRC). However, in recognition of the time and effort saved by HMRC in collecting VAT on goods exported from Jersey to the UK, they recompense Jersey Post for operating the Scheme.

37. DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER OF THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS REGARDING THE STATES OF JERSEY POLICE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS DEPARTMENT: (WQ.511/2019)

Question

Will the Minister provide members with the number and roles of any non-police officers working for the States of Jersey Police Professional Standards department?

Answer

There is one non-police officer working in the Professional Standards department at the States of Jersey Police. The role is investigative.

[9:45]

Senator S.Y. Mézec :

Could I just take this opportunity to apologise to Members that some of the answers to my written questions had to be submitted late and there is still one which is outstanding, but I am hoping to get that in later on today. It just proved difficult to collate some of the information that Members were asking for.

The Deputy Greffier of the States (in the Chair):

There are 3 questions missing from the bundle today, which will be circulated as soon as we have them available to Members.

3. Oral Questions

1. Senator S.C. Ferguson of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding training contracts issued by Government Departments: (OQ.284/2019)

Are Government departments permitted to assign training contracts to companies without putting them out to tender; if so, why is that the case and how many such contracts have been assigned in this way?

Deputy S.J. Pinel of St. Clement (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):

No, Government departments are not permitted to assign training contracts to companies without following Financial Directions and applying appropriate process to the value being spent. As an example, all contracts, including training contracts, where the value of the contract exceeds £100,000 must follow the tender process, unless an exemption has been granted. Where the value of a contract is between £25,000 and £100,000, 3 quotations must be sought and below £25,000 a single quotation is appropriate.

1. Senator S.C. Ferguson:

Would the Minister please inform us how many contracts have been assigned without going out to tender?

Deputy S.J. Pinel:

All the contracts that are signed are held at departmental level, so I do not have the information of the whole collated amount.

2. Senator S.C. Ferguson:

In which case, will the Minister investigate and report back to the Assembly with a list of what contracts have been awarded without going out to tender?

Deputy S.J. Pinel:

Is the Senator referring to all the contracts under £100,000? Senator S.C. Ferguson:

I am concerned, because these training contracts are all with small businesses and the problem there is that if you award them without going to tender, you are acting unfairly with regard to small businesses and, therefore, I think it is appropriate that the States know how many of these anti-competitive awards of training contracts have been made and to whom.

Deputy S.J. Pinel:

I think I answered the question inasmuch as if the contract is under £25,000 then there is no need for it to go to tender. It will just be a quotation of that amount. Because of the time it takes to do tendering, where the contract is under £25,000 and, as the Senator rightly says, most of these go to small businesses anyway, so it is hardly unfair on small business.

3. Senator S.C. Ferguson:

I think there is possibly a problem in that, in some cases, the contracts have been awarded to organisations which are perhaps not the optimal organisation to perform the contract.

The Deputy Greffier of the States (in the Chair): Your question, Senator?

Senator S.C. Ferguson:

Will the Minister therefore check and see, particularly in the small business area, how many there have been, because each department should know, surely and will the Minister then report back to the States with how many there have been and to whom they have been awarded?

Deputy S.J. Pinel:

As I say, all these contracts come under Financial Directions and I will see if I can provide the numbers, but I am not quite sure that it is entirely possible with so many being awarded.

Senator T.A. Vallois:

May I raise the défaut on Senator Moore please? The Deputy Greffier of the States (in the Chair): Do Members agree that the défaut should be raised? Senator T.A. Vallois:

And Deputy Southern please.

The Deputy Greffier of the States (in the Chair):

Very well, the défaut is raised on Senator Moore and Deputy Southern . Question 2 on the Order Paper is by Deputy Doublet who is, unfortunately, malade so we then move to question 3.

2. Senator K.L. Moore of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding a sustainable funding mechanism for primary care: (OQ.269/2019)

What steps has the Minister taken to reach agreement regarding the sustainable funding mechanism for primary bodies, as agreed by the Assembly in P.82/2012?

Deputy R.J. Renouf of St. Ouen (The Minister for Health and Social Services):

The development of the Jersey Care model will create a new relationship between Government and general practitioners. It will also create and strengthen relationships with many other types of healthcare providers. Working together across primary care, a range of professions will support local people with their healthcare needs in the future. Healthcare economists will undertake a full economic and operational analysis of the Jersey Care model over coming months. Once validated, the transformation of our existing primary and secondary care services and the settings in which these are delivered will be considered. Initial plans suggest that many activities currently undertaken by G.P.s (general practitioners) will be provided through other appropriate healthcare professionals in future, for example, practice nurses, or community pharmacists. Once the analysis of the healthcare system has been undertaken, Ministers can work together to agree a sustainable approach to overall healthcare funding.

1. Senator K.L. Moore :

What consultation has taken place with those primary care bodies to achieve the point that the Minister is at currently?

The Deputy of St. Ouen :

A very significant amount of consultation. Every G.P. surgery in the Island has been visited by officers in my department, who put together the Jersey Care model and the model has been well received by the profession as a whole, together with other partners in primary care and in community work.

2. Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier :

Will the Minister agree with me that those who are financially vulnerable individuals in society are those who are recipients of income support and no further means testing is needed in order to deliver to financially vulnerable individuals?

The Deputy of St. Ouen :

I agree with the Deputy that financially vulnerable people can be found within recipients of income support, but there are also people who are ineligible for income support who might be classed as financially vulnerable. If the Deputy 's question is about the work going on in that area - he is asking me a question later as an oral question, there is a written question - but there is a workstream in the Government Plan that commits the Government to deal with financially vulnerable people and their healthcare costs.

3. Deputy K.G. Pamplin of St. Saviour :

Can the Minister give an indication, or an outline, the sort of timetable for the next stages of this, the economic funding, for when he would like to present that to the Assembly in this time period, for example, before the next election?

The Deputy of St. Ouen :

Certainly before the next election. It is intended that the health economists will complete their work in the spring. I have yet to work out with other Ministers and my Assistant Ministers exactly how that work will be brought to the States, but I do, at some stage, want the States to fully endorse the healthcare model when we have all that information behind us.

4. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier :

Given that primary healthcare will be absolutely essential to the working of the new healthcare model, can the Minister make some sort of assurance that the services that were being replaced, that were previously held by G.P.s, will be free at point of access for those, particularly the most vulnerable, so that they can genuinely access this healthcare system?