States Meeting Transcript - 4th July 2023

STATES OF JERSEY

OFFICIAL REPORT

TUESDAY, 4th JULY 2023

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

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

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

1. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Chief Minister regarding States of Jersey employees leaving the organisation (WQ.275/2023)...................................... 9
2. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding staff statistics in Health and Community Services (WQ.276/2023) ...................... 10
3. Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat of St. Helier North of the Minister for Home Affairs of regarding Road Traffic Collisions (WQ.277/2023) ................................................. 12
4. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central of the Chief Minister regarding individuals who are resident in the Island under Regulation 2(1)(e) (WQ.278/2023) ..................... 13
5. Deputy C.A. Alves of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the Substance Use Strategy Report (WQ.279/2023) .......................... 14
6. Deputy S.Y. Mézec of St. Helier South of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the new Tenant Non-Executive Director on the Board of Andium Homes (WQ.280/2023) ........................................................................... 15
7. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of The Minister for Home Affairs regarding legislation to protect the identity of individuals who face being prosecuted for rape (WQ.281/2023) ........................................................................... 15
8. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Social Security regarding Health Insurance Fund expenditure (WQ.282/2023) ..................................... 16
9. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding the number of managers employed in the Health and Community Services department (WQ.283/2023) .............................................................. 17
10. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding working from home arrangements (WQ.284/2023)...................................... 17
11. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Children and Education regarding newly qualified teachers (WQ.285/2023)...................................... 18
12. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of The Minister for Housing and Communities regarding future Housing policy (WQ.286/2023)........................................ 19
13. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding LibertyBus (WQ.287/2023) .............................................................. 20
14. Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding knee and hip operations(WQ.288/2023) ....................................... 20

2.16 Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour of the Chief Minister regarding businesses and employment licences (WQ.290/2023) .................................................... 23

16. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture regarding current and capital account information (WQ.290/2023) ........................................................................... 29
17. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for the Environment regarding a Planning Appeals Board (WQ.291/2023) .............................................. 30
18. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding accommodating private healthcare within the new healthcare facilities project (WQ.292/2023) ........................................................................... 30
19. Deputy S.G. Luce of Grouville and St. Martin of the Minister for the Environment regarding average sea temperatures (WQ.293/2023)..................................... 31
20. Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier Central of the Chief Minister regarding the Government's continuing commitment to putting children first' (WQ.294/2023) ...... 31
21. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Children and Education regarding staffing at the Department of Children, Young People, Education and Skills (WQ.295/2023) ........................................................................... 37
22. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of the Minister for the Environment regarding the

e-bike subsidy (WQ.296/2023) ........................................................... 38

23. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of the Minister for the Environment regarding the Carbon Neutral Fund (WQ.297/2023) .................................................... 39
24. Deputy L.J. Farnham of St. Ouen , St. Mary and St. Peter of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the cost of the proposed New Healthcare Facilities(WQ.298/2023)

 ............................................................................................ 39

25. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding the recruitment model applied for both the interim and permanent Chief Executive (WQ.299/2023) ........................................................................... 40
26. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Chief Minister regarding training of 8D problem- solving and closed loop processes (WQ.300/2023) ...................................... 42
27. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Minister for the Environment regarding the

Planning Committee (WQ.301/2023) .................................................... 42

28. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central of the Chief Minister regarding High Value Residents' residency (WQ.301/2023) .................................................... 47
29. Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour of the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture regarding the Cost of Living Strategy Group and the Inflation Strategy Group (WQ.303/2023) .................................................................... 48

3. Oral Questions ............................................................................. 49

1. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding retention payments (OQ.133/2023) .................................... 49

Connétable A.N. Jehan of St. John (Vice-Chair, States Employment Board - rapporteur): .... 49

1. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................... 49
2. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central : .................................................. 49
3. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 50
4. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade : ........................................................ 50
5. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 50
6. Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier Central :.............................................. 50
7. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 50
8. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South : .................................................. 51
9. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................... 51

2. Deputy A. Howell of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the Health and Community Services Interim Board (OQ.128/2023) .............................................................................. 51

Deputy K. Wilson of St. Clement (The Minister for Health and Social Services): ............ 51 3.2.1 Deputy A. Howell : ........................................................................ 51

3. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Chief Minister regarding Government cost- saving achievements (OQ.129/2023) ...................................................... 51

Deputy K.L. Moore (The Chief Minister): ...................................................... 51

1. Deputy M.R. Scott : ....................................................................... 52
2. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 52
3. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 52
4. Deputy S.Y. Mézec of St. Helier South : .................................................. 53
5. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ...................................................................... 53
6. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................... 53
7. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................... 53
8. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 54
9. Deputy M.R. Scott : ....................................................................... 54

4. Deputy G.P. Southern of the Chief Minister regarding relative poverty of children (OQ.137/2023) .............................................................................. 55

Deputy K.L. Moore (The Chief Minister): ...................................................... 55

1. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 55
2. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 55
3. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 56
4. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ...................................................................... 56
5. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ...................................................................... 56
6. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 56

5. Deputy S.Y. Mézec of the Minister for Children and Education regarding the States Employment Board pay policy for teachers (OQ.141/2023) ............................ 57

Connétable R.P. Vibert of St. Peter (Assistant Minister for Children and Education -

rapporteur): ............................................................................... 57

ADJOURNMENT .................................................................................. 57

1. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ...................................................................... 58
2. Connétable A.S. Crowcroft of St. Helier : ................................................ 59
3. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 59
4. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 59
5. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 59
6. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 60
7. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................... 60
8. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................... 60
9. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 60
10. Deputy M. Tadier : ..................................................................... 61
11. Deputy S.G. Luce of Grouville and St. Martin : ....................................... 61
12. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ................................................................... 61

6. Deputy T.A. Coles of the Minister for External Relations regarding agreements signed with France (OQ.135/2023) ........................................................ 61

Deputy I.J. Gorst of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter (Assistant Minister for External Relations

- rapporteur): .............................................................................. 62

1. Deputy T.A. Coles : ....................................................................... 62

2. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 62
3. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 62
4. Connétable M.K. Jackson of St. Brelade : ................................................ 63
5. The Connétable of St. Helier : ............................................................ 63
6. The Connétable of St. Helier : ............................................................ 63
7. Deputy M.R. Scott : ....................................................................... 63
8. Deputy S.G. Luce : ........................................................................ 64
9. Deputy T.A. Coles : ....................................................................... 64

7. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Chief Minister regarding non-sector entities and the publishing of information on gender pay (OQ.126/2023) ............. 64

Deputy K.L. Moore (The Chief Minister): ...................................................... 64

1. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 64
2. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 65
3. Deputy M.R. Scott : ....................................................................... 65

8. Deputy R.J. Ward of the Minister for Children and Education regarding recruitment and retention within education (OQ.131/2023).......................................... 65

The Connétable of St. Peter (Assistant Minister for Children and Education - rapporteur): ... 65

1. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 66
2. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ...................................................................... 66
3. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ...................................................................... 66
4. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 66
5. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 67
6. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 67

9. Deputy C.S. Alves of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding MRI scans (OQ.139/2023) .............................................................................. 67

Deputy K. Wilson (The Minister for Health and Social Services):............................. 67

1. Deputy C.S. Alves : ....................................................................... 67
2. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 67
3. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 68

10. Deputy B.B. de S.DV.M Porée of St. Helier South of the Minister for the Environment regarding schemes to encourage move from cars to public transport (OQ. 143/2023)68

Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade (The Minister for the Environment): ......................... 68

1. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 69
2. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 69
3. Deputy T.A. Coles :.................................................................... 69
4. Deputy L.V. Feltham :.................................................................. 70
5. Deputy L.V. Feltham :.................................................................. 70
6. Deputy G.P. Southern : ................................................................ 70

11. Deputy T.A. Coles of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding UK firms charging VAT and GST (OQ.142/2023) .................................................. 70

Deputy I.J. Gorst (The Minister for Treasury and Resources): ................................. 71

1. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 71
2. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 71

12. Deputy S.Y. Mézec of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding an update on the audit of Rheumatology Services (OQ.142/2023) ......................... 71

Deputy K. Wilson (The Minister for Health and Social Services):............................. 71

1. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ................................................................... 72
2. Deputy T.A. Coles :.................................................................... 72

13. Deputy M.R. Scott of the Chief Minister regarding increased productivity by the Government (OQ.130/2023) ............................................................... 72

Deputy K.L. Moore (The Chief Minister): ...................................................... 72

1. Deputy M.R. Scott :.................................................................... 73
2. Deputy G.P. Southern : ................................................................ 73
3. Deputy G.P. Southern : ................................................................ 73
4. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 73
5. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 74
6. Deputy M.R. Scott :.................................................................... 74

14. Deputy G.P. Southern of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the impact of increases of UK Bank Rate on Jersey households (OQ.138/2023) .......... 75

Deputy I.J. Gorst (The Minister for Treasury and Resources): ................................. 75

1. Deputy G.P. Southern : ................................................................ 75
2. Deputy L.V. Feltham :.................................................................. 76
3. Deputy L.V. Feltham :.................................................................. 76
4. Deputy M.R. Scott :.................................................................... 76
5. Deputy G.P. Southern : ................................................................ 76

15. Deputy R.J. Ward of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding the recruitment and retention crisis (OQ.132/2023) ......................................... 77

The Connétable of St. John (Vice-Chair, States Employment Board - rapporteur): ............ 77

1. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 77
2. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ................................................................... 77
3. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ................................................................... 77
4. Deputy M. Tadier : ..................................................................... 78
5. Deputy G.P. Southern : ................................................................ 78
6. Deputy M.B. Andrews : ................................................................ 78
7. Deputy M.R. Scott :.................................................................... 78
8. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 79

16. Deputy L.V. Feltham of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding actions taken to address concerns of teachers (OQ.134/2023)................................... 79

The Connétable of St. John (Vice-Chair, States Employment Board - rapporteur): ............ 79

1. Deputy L.V. Feltham :.................................................................. 79
2. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 79
3. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 80
4. Deputy L.V. Feltham :.................................................................. 80

17. Deputy C.S. Alves of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding Active Card membership (OQ.140/2023) ............................................................... 80

Deputy L. Stephenson of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter (Assistant Minister for Infrastructure

- rapporteur): .............................................................................. 81

1. Deputy C.S. Alves : .................................................................... 81

2. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 81

3. Deputy R.J. Ward : ..................................................................... 81
4. Deputy M. Tadier : ..................................................................... 82

4. Questions to Ministers without notice - The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture .............................................................. 82

1. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 82 Deputy K.F. Morel of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity (The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture): ............................................. 82

1. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 83
   2. Deputy S.G. Luce : ........................................................................ 83
   3. Deputy C.D . Curtis of St. Helier Central : ................................................ 83

4.3.1 Deputy C.D . Curtis : ...................................................................... 84

4. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 84
5. Deputy M.R. Scott : ....................................................................... 84

4.5.1 Deputy M.R. Scott : ....................................................................... 84

6. Connétable K.C. Lewis of St. Saviour : ................................................... 85

4.6.1 The Connétable of St. Saviour : ........................................................... 85

7. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 85

4.7.1 Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 86

8. Deputy L.J. Farnham of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter : ............................... 86

5. Questions to Ministers without notice - The Minister for Social Security ............. 86

1. Deputy B.B. de S.DV.M Porée : .......................................................... 86 Deputy E. Millar of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity (The Minister for Social Security): .. 86
2. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 87

5.2.1 Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 87

3. Deputy M.R. Scott : ....................................................................... 87
4. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 88

5.4.1 Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................... 88

5. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................... 88

5.5.1 Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................... 89

6. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................... 89

5.6.1 Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................... 89

7. Deputy C.S. Alves : ....................................................................... 90

6. Questions to Ministers without notice - The Chief Minister ............................ 90

1. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 90 Deputy K.L. Moore (The Chief Minister): ...................................................... 90

1. Deputy M. Tadier :........................................................................ 91
   2. Deputy S.G. Luce : ........................................................................ 91

6.2.1 Deputy S.G. Luce : ........................................................................ 92

3. Deputy T.A. Coles : ....................................................................... 92

6.3.1 Deputy T.A. Coles : ....................................................................... 92

4. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ...................................................................... 92

6.4.1 Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ...................................................................... 93

5. The Connétable of St. Saviour : ........................................................... 93

6.5.1 The Connétable of St. Saviour : ........................................................... 93

6. Deputy M.R. Scott : ....................................................................... 93

6.61 Deputy M.R. Scott : ....................................................................... 94

LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT PROPOSED ................................................... 94

LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT .................................................................. 94 STATEMENTS ON A MATTER OF OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITY ........................ 94

7. The Minister for Infrastructure will make a statement regarding the Strategic Outline Case and Feasibility Study of the New Healthcare Facilities ........................... 94

7.1 Deputy T. Binet (The Minister for Infrastructure): ....................................... 94

1. Deputy S.G. Luce : ........................................................................ 98
2. Deputy B. Ward of St. Clement : .......................................................... 98
3. Deputy S.Y Mézec : ....................................................................... 98
4. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ...................................................................... 98
5. Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat of St. Helier North : ............................................ 98
6. Deputy L.J. Farnham : .................................................................... 99
7. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 99
8. Deputy R.J. Ward : ........................................................................ 99
9. Deputy L.J. Farnham : ................................................................... 100
10. Deputy C.D . Curtis : .................................................................. 100
11. Deputy R.J. Ward : .................................................................... 101

PUBLIC BUSINESS .............................................................................. 101

8. Draft Taxation (Exchange of Information - Amendment) (Jersey) Regulations 202- (P.28/2023) ................................................................................ 101

1. Deputy I.J. Gorst (Assistant Minister for External Relations - rapporteur):............ 102

1. Deputy P.M. Bailhache of St. Clement :................................................. 102
2. Deputy M.R. Scott : ...................................................................... 103
3. Deputy I.J. Gorst : ........................................................................ 103

2. Deputy I.J. Gorst : ........................................................................ 105

9. Draft Income Tax (High Value Residents - Amendment) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.29/2023) ................................................................................ 106

1. Deputy I.J. Gorst (The Minister for Treasury and Resources): ......................... 106

1. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ..................................................................... 107
2. Connétable D. Johnson of St. Mary : .................................................... 107
3. Deputy M.R. Scott : ...................................................................... 108
4. Deputy I.J. Gorst : ........................................................................ 108

2. Deputy I.J. Gorst : ........................................................................ 112
3. Deputy I.J. Gorst : ........................................................................ 112

1. Deputy R.J. Ward : ...................................................................... 112
2. Deputy K.F. Morel : ...................................................................... 113
3. Deputy G.P. Southern : .................................................................. 114
4. Deputy S.Y. Mézec : ..................................................................... 114
5. Deputy M.B. Andrews : .................................................................. 114
6. Deputy I.J. Gorst : ........................................................................ 115

10. Amendment to Standing Orders - various amendments (P.30/2023) ................. 117

10.1 Connétable K. Shenton-Stone of St. Martin (Chair, Privileges and Procedures Committee): ............................................................................. 117

1. Deputy R.J. Ward : .................................................................... 118
2. The Connétable of St. Martin : ........................................................ 118

11. Removal of Compulsory Independent Taxation for Existing Married Couples and Civil Partnerships (P.32/2023) - as amended (P.32/2023 Amd.) (P.32/2023 Amd.(2).)

 ............................................................................................. 120

11.1 Deputy L.J. Farnham : ................................................................... 122 Deputy C.F. Labey of Grouville and St. Martin :.............................................. 125 The Attorney General: ......................................................................... 125 Deputy L.J. Farnham : .......................................................................... 125 Deputy P.M. Bailhache : ....................................................................... 126

1. Deputy E. Millar :..................................................................... 126
2. Deputy H. Miles of St. Brelade : ...................................................... 130
3. Deputy M. Tadier : .................................................................... 132
4. Deputy M.R. Scott :................................................................... 134
5. Deputy H. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity : ............................. 135 Deputy M. Tadier : ............................................................................. 136 The Attorney General: ......................................................................... 136 Deputy M.R. Scott :............................................................................ 137 Deputy M. Tadier : ............................................................................. 137 Deputy I.J. Gorst : .............................................................................. 138 Deputy L.J. Farnham : .......................................................................... 138 Deputy P.M. Bailhache : ....................................................................... 139

ADJOURNMENT ................................................................................. 139

[9:31]

The Roll was called and the Dean led the Assembly in Prayer.

COMMUNICATIONS BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER The Deputy Bailiff : 1.1  Welcome to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor

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

QUESTIONS

2.  Written Questions

1. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Chief Minister regarding States of Jersey employees leaving the organisation (WQ.275/2023)

Question

Further to the response to Written Question 159/2022, will the Chair advise how many States of Jersey employees left the organisation in each of –

1. 2022 Quarter 3;
2. 2022 Quarter 4; and
3. 2023 Quarter 1?

Answer

A detailed leavers analysis can be found at the following link - wq.275-2023.pdf (gov.je).

We have applied disclosure controls to minimise the risk of disclosure of sensitive personal information, whilst maximising the utility of that data. The more detailed the breakdowns within a table, the greater the disclosure risk. Accordingly:

• The answer shows values of 1, 2, and 3 as < 3

• Reasons for leaving with a total below a threshold of 20 in any period have been aggregated into a column entitled "other" (while showing for each other category the total across government)

This presentation better accounts for the protection of personal data by minimising the ability to impute an individual's identity, and the requirements of the Code of Practice for Statistics Code of Practice for Statistics 2019.pdf (gov.je) which includes "T6.4 Organisations should be transparent and accountable about the procedures used to protect personal data when preparing the statistics and data, including the choices made in balancing competing interests. Appropriate disclosure control methods should be applied before releasing statistics and data."

We have followed the previously applied methodology which was reviewed and approved by The Chief Statistician (WQ159-2022). Please note that this data may differ with other leaver reporting provided in previous information requests as a result of ongoing data cleanse work being carried out by the organisation.

2. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding staff statistics in Health and Community Services (WQ.276/2023)

Question

Further to the response given to Written Question 157/2023, will the Chair –

1. explain the basis for the exclusion of certain employee groups from the data provided;
2. provide the statistics relating to these excluded groups;
3. explain why only 7.1% of staff in Health and Community Services (HCS) had performance appraisals during 2022;
4. explain how the percentage of HCS staff who had performance appraisals in 2022 breaks down by grade, both within and outside the Hospital;
5. advise whether the Board has instigated, or intends to instigate, any plans to improve the percentage of staff having performance appraisals; and
6. state what percentage of staff in Health and Community Services have had performance appraisals to date this year?

Answer

1. Explain the basis for the exclusion of certain employee groups from the data provided:

The following employee groups were excluded in the My Conversation My Goals (MCMG) data provided for the following reasons:

1. Anyone who started in the last 3 months (based on continuous service date) as this was part of their initial probation period and objectives and performance would have been covered by the probation (now induction) policy and form – 311 people
2. Non-executive and Legislature Departments as these departments were operating their own separate performance management systems – 342 people
3. Data Protection Directorate – nil people
4. All schools as these were operating their own performance review and appraisals – 2,094 people
5. Pay Group which are:

o Doctors and Consultants JY and UK as there are separate contractual agreements that include performance – 231 people

o Manual Workers as their current contracts of employment, terms and conditions do not require them to participate in performance management – 801 people

o Non Payroll and Non-States – as these workers will have performance objectives agreed through their employing body – 40 people

o Police Superintendent Chief Inspector, Police – Chief Officer, Police – Deputy Chief Officer, Police – Constable, Police – Sergeant – as these were subject to a separate SoJP approach – 196 people

o Employee Post Position Status which is Nil Hours, Variable, Contractor / Consultant, Volunteer Worker – as these will have separate objectives agreed based on their individual contracts / agreements – 1582 people

2. Statistics relating to the people in the excluded groups are included in the above as requested.

3. Explain why only 7.1% of staff in Health and Community Services (HCS) had performance appraisals during 2022;

Developing and embedding any performance management approach is hard, it involves cultural change, and culture change takes time. As an organisation we are early in our overall journey in developing performance management culture and especially so in HCS. This is a similar challenge that is reported by NHS Trusts in the UK. MCMG was the precursor to Connected Performance and only started in 2019 as a result of the Team Jersey programme and was a big step forwards then

The focus then, as it is now is on having employees having meaningful performance conversations with their line managers. And for many HCS staff these will be happening as part of their day to day work and supervision but may not have been recorded on the system. MCMG built some useful foundations, but was limited in the extent that the available technology could be easily and readily accessed by HCS employees, and had limited functionality for reporting on progress compliance.

4. Explain how the percentage of HCS staff who had performance appraisals in 2022 breaks down by grade, both within and outside the Hospital;

This information requires some specific manual work to extract the statistical data requested on the 7.2% of HCS employees who completed appraisals in 2022 and is being progressed.

5. Advise whether the Board has instigated, or intends to instigate, any plans to improve the percentage of staff having performance appraisals;

The States Employment Board (SEB) takes performance management, including the accountability and responsibility for building and embedding a performance culture seriously and has been focusing closely on seeking improvements to the ways that objective setting, performance conversations and performance appraisals are conducted across the organisation. SEB has requested and received at least monthly reports on the whole organisation's completion of the objective setting phase of the performance cycle; and have been drilling down into the areas with the least progress.

SEB have been advocates of the benefits that good performance conversations realise, including making employees feel valued as well as focused on what is expected of them from a performance and behavioural perspective; and that these conversations help with development and realising potential. SEB has asked for and been provided with details of the level that the Senior Managers cadre have completed their own respective objective phase and what they have been doing to encourage and inspire completion. This is being followed up by close monitoring of the mid-year review phase that commences from the end of June and will be reported on regularly.

SEB have been looking closely at the completion rates in HCS and note that the new HCS Chief Officer and the Executive team have committed to improving the percentage of staff who have performance appraisals and understand the value that performance management offers. The Chief Officer has been reminding staff of his expectations regarding performance management, including when speaking at various staff meetings and for a. The HCS Executive team has:

• Cascaded four core objectives to all employees that are relevant to all people in the department
• Asked every employee to then add any service specific / personal performance and development objectives to these; have the discussion with their line manager to agree the final set of objectives and update their records on the Connected Performance system

• Sent  out  regular  communications  to  remind  employees,  encouraged  them  attend roadshows and drop in sessions and promoted training available on how to use the system
• Commissioned some additional bespoke training on the behavioural and skills component to help build the confidence and capability of line managers in having performance discussions that are scheduled for June and July.

6. State  what  percentage  of  staff  in  Health  and  Community  Services  have  had  performance appraisals to date this year?"

3. Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat of St. Helier North of the Minister for Home Affairs of regarding Road Traffic Collisions (WQ.277/2023)

Question

Will the Minister state –

1. the number of Road Traffic Collisions involving pedestrians and bicycles that were recorded in the last 5 years, and of these, how many resulted in prosecution;
2. how many States of Jersey Police Officers are –

1. qualified as Senior Investigating Officers in relation to Serious Road Traffic Collisions, and how often they receive refresher training;
2. trained as Scene Managers for Serious Road Traffic Collisions, and how often they receive refresher training;
3. trained as Road Traffic Collision Investigators, and how often they receive refresher training; and

3. the criteria used for the deployment of these qualified staff?

Answer

(a) Please see below the table showing number of recorded RTCs involving pedestrians and bicycles:

*There was an additional incident in 2020 that involved a mobility unit (b)

1. The current description of this role is now Lead Investigating Officer for Serious Road Traffic Collisions.

Currently the force has five trained Lead Investigating Officers. These officers undertake refresher training (CPD) yearly and regularly peer review each other's investigations.

2. There are currently two trained Scene Managers for Serious Road Traffic Collisions. No refresher training has been undertaken since attaining qualification.
3. There are currently two qualified Collision Investigators. Both attend a yearly conference and undergo a full day CPD every month.

(c) The Criteria for deployment of these officers are in any Road Traffic Collision involving a road death or where life changing injuries are incurred.

4. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central of the Chief Minister regarding individuals who are resident in the Island under Regulation 2(1)(e) (WQ.278/2023)

Question

Will the Minister provide the following information for individuals that are resident in the Island under Regulation 2(1)(e), former Regulation 1(1)(K), or any other current or previous iteration of the High Value Residency (HVR) scheme –

1. how many residents have HVR status, and how many family members of these residents also have Entitled status;
2. how many individuals have approved HVR status but have yet to take up residence in the Island;
3. a summary of each type of HVR arrangement, and how many people are on each type of arrangement;
4. a breakdown of any legal agreements in place with HVR individuals;
5. a summary table of the size and type of residential property and land currently occupied by HVRs;
6. how many properties are owned by HVRs under the terms of the current policy for renting out to other people;
7. confirmation of which department is responsible for ensuring HVR residents meet their obligations under the above policy;
8. how adherence to the Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law 2012 is monitored; and
9. whether any resident with HVR status has failed to meet their obligations under the policy, and if so, what action has been taken?

Answer

1. There were 175 taxpayers in year of assessment 2020 who fell under the versions of the 2(1)(e) initiative since legislative arrangements were introduced in 2005. We do not collect information on how many family members they have in Jersey who have gained Entitled status.
2. Approvals for 2(1)(e) status expire after 12 months. At present, there are 8 approved applications where the applicant has not yet chosen to take up residence.

3. The Revenue Jersey Statistical Digest (see link below, page 8) contains information on taxpayers by each version of the scheme introduced since 2005, and amounts paid by tax rate.

ID Revenue Jersey Statistical Digest 2018 to 2020.pdf (gov.je)

4. Legal arrangements are governed by Article 135A of the Income Tax (Jersey) Law 1961. The digest shows how many taxpayers fall under each version of the scheme under the Article. There are no legal agreements between government and individuals arriving since 2005, when the legislative base for the initiative was established in our tax law.
5. 264 properties were purchased between 2004 – 2023 year to date. Information is not held on the size or type of these properties.
6. 2(1)(e) residents are only permitted to acquire a single property for their own occupation, and no other residential property acquisitions are permitted under the Control of Housing and Work, whether for rental or otherwise.

Jersey's property market, however, includes a range of properties, notably share transfer properties but also other properties in corporate structures, where not permission is necessary. We do not hold information on property ownership other than where permission is required.

g), h) Following approval, Revenue Jersey monitor tax returns and liabilities, and enforce minimum

tax liabilities where they are established in Law.

As well as the requirement to pay a minimum tax contribution, 2(1)(e) applicants are also limited to purchasing one property as their principal place of residence and the Customer and Local Services Department ensure compliance with this condition.

(i)  There have been no 2(1)(e) resident who have not met the requirements specified in g and h above.

I have asked officials to examine what additional information may be provided in advance of the debates scheduled on the tax rates and thresholds applicable to 2(1)(e) residents to support an informed debate.

5. Deputy C.A. Alves of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the Substance Use Strategy Report (WQ.279/2023)

Question

Will the Minister advise when the Substance Use Strategy Report will be published? Answer

The substance use strategy is currently undergoing final governance steps. The current intention is for publication ahead of 18th July.

6. Deputy S.Y. Mézec of St. Helier South of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the new Tenant Non-Executive Director on the Board of Andium Homes (WQ.280/2023)

Question

Given that, in the Andium Homes tenant newsletter of July 2022, there was an advertisement for a new Tenant Non-Executive Director to join the Board of Andium Homes, will the Minister advise –

1. how many applications were received;
2. how many candidates were short-listed for interviews;
3. how many interviews were held; and
4. who was the successful candidate?

Answer

1. 6 applications were received;
2. No candidates were short-listed for interviews;
3. No interviews were held;
4. There was not a successful candidate.

The recruitment process was overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission but was concluded at the shortlisting stage.

A new recruitment campaign will commence shortly with the aim of generating applications from as broad a cross-section of Andium Homes' tenants as possible.

7. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of The Minister for Home Affairs regarding legislation to protect the identity of individuals who face being prosecuted for rape (WQ.281/2023)

Question

Will the Minister advise whether she intends or is currently considering bringing forward legislation to protect the identity of individuals who face being prosecuted for rape until they are proven guilty?

Answer

Usually, following a charge for a criminal offence, the identities of both the accused and the alleged victim are publicly available. This general principle is varied to provide anonymity to an alleged victim who is a child or otherwise vulnerable, which may mean that anonymity is provided to the alleged perpetrator to protect the identity of the victim.

The transparent nature of criminal charges and trials reflects the need for open justice, which is a foundational principle of the justice system. However, this has implications for individuals who are charged with, or tried for, an offence for which they are ultimately not convicted.

In most cases, the discontinuation of a prosecution or a verdict of not guilty' will be sufficient to close the matter. However, particularly serious allegations may leave a lasting reputational stain even where the individual is not convicted. This is exacerbated in the case of sexual offences, due to their particularly distasteful nature and, in the case of rape specifically, the significant challenges in securing a conviction, leading to suggestions that the accused got away with it' rather than being innocent.

Conversely, the publicity surrounding serious allegations can have positive effects, with witnesses or even other victims coming forward as a result, either because they become aware that their evidence is important or because they did not previously feel they would be believed. The power of that liberating effect on previously silent victims underpins the #MeToo movement and should not be underestimated.

The contentious question of anonymity for accused people reflects the tension inherent across the justice system between openness, the need to gather evidence, and the rights of an individual not to be punished (formally or informally) for a crime they are not proved to have committed. There is no simple way to balance those factors that will satisfy all parties, and while the established position is in favour of openness, it is very sensible to keep all aspects of the justice system under review.

If anonymity provisions were considered, it would be preferable to start with a wider consideration of the benefits and dangers of anonymity arrangements generally, considering a wider definition of offences than just rape.

I am not currently considering legislation to require anonymity for individuals accused of rape at this time. However, if a compelling case is made for a review of the current arrangements to be undertaken then I would not rule out such work in the future.

8. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Social Security regarding Health Insurance Fund expenditure (WQ.282/2023)

Question

Will the Minister provide a breakdown of the Health Insurance Fund expenditure for 2022? Answer

The Health Insurance Fund expenditure for 2022, per the Government Annual Report and Accounts, was as follows:

9. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding the number of managers employed in the Health and Community Services department (WQ.283/2023)

Question

Will the Minister confirm the number of managers employed in the Health and Community Services department and advise what this equates to as a percentage of the total staff headcount of that department?

Answer

The Interim Chief Officer of Health and Community Services has undertaken a review of the Health and Community Services (HCS) Department including the numbers of managers currently providing the leadership and management of the services provided to Jersey residents.

Like many health systems, the aim of HCS is to be a clinically led organisation which means that many of the leadership roles are undertaken by clinicians of differing professions. This aim is initially achieved through the appointment of clinical staff into key leadership roles e.g. Chiefs of Service, Specialty Leads, Lead Nurses, AHP professional managers, Ward Managers (previously known as ward sisters/charge nurses) etc. The HCS clinical leadership structure is similar to what would be found in many health systems in other jurisdictions.

The review has, therefore, focussed on HCS's non-clinical leaders/managers which, is often the centre of wider public interest. The review has considered the following definitions of managers:

• Executive Directors (those at the first and second tiers of the organisation)
• General Management, such as operational managers who support the Chiefs of Service and the day-to-day management of services (those at the third and fourth tiers of the organisation)
• Specialist Managers, such as Estates, Health and Safety, Complaints (at the third and fourth tiers of the organisation).

Using these definitions, HCS has:

• 6 Executive Directors
• 17 General Management roles
• 23 Specialist Management roles.

This shows a total of 46 whole time equivalent management roles out of a total of 2,700 whole time equivalent roles in HCS, which equates to 1.7% of the workforce.

10. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding working from home arrangements (WQ.284/2023)

Question

Given that the response Written Question 229/2023 states that the Government does not hold a centralised record of working practices and therefore is unable to offer information on working from home arrangements; will the Chair advise –

1. when Government expects to have a centralised record of working arrangements that would enable the provision of such information;  

2. if this information can be obtained in another way;  
3. what methods the States Employment Board uses to monitor employees who work from home;
4. what measures are currently in place to ensure –

1. compliance with health and safety regulation and best practice, including, but not limited to compliance with Article 3 of the Health and Safety at Work (Jersey) Law 1989, and the Approved Code of Practice ACoP4; and
2. staff welfare?

Answer

1. The revised flexible working policy, which will be launched early Q3, will allow for central recording and reporting of formal flexible working arrangements, ensuring compliance with Article 15 of Jersey employment legislation and data on the number of formal flexible working arrangements in place.
2. There is an opportunity when configuring a future replacement payroll system to record work patterns in a replacement system containing time and attendance capabilities. This is not anticipated until 2025, at the earliest.
3. This is a local line management function. Regular catch ups, performance conversations and supervision are required and expected. It should be noted that most of the workforce are not office based
4. Employees who may work from home are expected to complete health and safety training and an assessment of the working conditions suitability and are provided with standard equipment. Regular line management supervision with employees is essential to ensure wellbeing whilst working from home.

11. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Children and Education regarding newly qualified teachers (WQ.285/2023)

Question

Given that during oral questions on 13th June 2023 it was stated that a newly qualified teachers' salary is £39,000 a year and they would earn more if they were more experienced, will the Minister advise –

1. how many term time hours a newly qualified teacher is expected to work;
2. how many term time hours are expected of more experienced teachers;
3. how many hours in holidays' are or should be worked; and
4. what work is undertaken to monitor the number of hours worked and reduce excessive working hours?"

Answer

1. A teachers contracts requires a teacher to work 1,660 hours per year over 38 weeks per year. The 1660 contracted hours includes contact and non-contact time, and it also includes time to attend professional development, training and meetings.  
2. All teachers are required to work the same contractual hours.

3. Teachers are required to attend work for all days when school or inset is in session, they are not expected to work during holiday periods.
4. Throughout the Early Career Teacher (ECT) programme, termly reports are made to the ECT lead Adviser and a QA programme of randomised visits to schools ensures parity of expectation and application of policy. In addition, the Jersey School Review Framework visits will include interviews with ECTs regarding their training experience, the report of which contributes to the Leadership evaluation. ECTs should receive a teaching allocation in line with the published ECT policy.

At the start of the ECT year 1 teachers are reminded of this in their central training and any concerns regarding allocations are raised with the relevant school. Examples will differ slightly between phases and schools, but the overarching principle is made clear and ECT officers are available to support teachers if it is required. Please see the relevant section of the policy below.

B. IN SCHOOL SUPPORT

1. Additional PPA release compared to main scale teachers ECT1s receive an additional PPA release of 10%; this is a continuation of the previous NQT process. There is an additional PPA release for each ECT2 of 5%: this is a new funded development.

The Jersey Terms and Conditions of Service states that all teachers are entitled to non-contact time equivalent to 10% of the school week or a minimum of 2h 30m each week. The school week is defined as follows:

• Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1: 23 hours 45 minutes

• Key Stage 2: 25 hours

• Secondary: 26 hours 15 minutes An ECT 1 should therefore have a total of at least 5 hours of PPA release; an ECT2 should therefore have a total of at least 3 hours and 45 minutes of PPA release. This additional release is funded directly to the ECT's school.

12. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of The Minister for Housing and Communities regarding future Housing policy (WQ.286/2023)

Question

What work is the Minister undertaking in relation to the research and development of future Housing policy, particularly with regard to living costs for tenants in private housing and the subsequent levels of available income left after rents are considered?"

Answer

I recognise that in the short term, it is challenging to deliver a targeted, fair and sustainable solution to what is a very dynamic housing market. Nevertheless, I am taking steps to better support those in housing need – for example, I am widening the eligibility criteria for the Gateway so that more people can access social housing, and I am updating the Residential Tenancy Law to give better protections to tenants across all sectors.

I recognise Islanders' concerns about the cost of renting a home, and the pressure that these costs can place on household incomes. The Jersey Household Income Distribution preliminary report 2021/2022 provides evidence of the impact of housing costs on household incomes, and the distribution of these housing costs across different groups. The forthcoming final report will enhance the evidence available to inform policy decisions regarding Jersey's rental market, including matters such as rent stabilisation measures set out in my Residential Tenancy Law proposals.

I have also set out in my Ministerial Plan a priority to progress a sustainable response to the challenges in Jersey's housing market, including increasing the supply and affordability of housing. As part of the Plan, it is my intention to publish the Island's first long-term, sustainable housing strategy, which will establish the action we need to take to alleviate the housing issues facing Islanders in the longer term. As we develop the strategy, we will consider the further research and evidence required to understand the drivers of housing affordability in Jersey, and to inform policy solutions, including in relation to the rental sector.

13. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding LibertyBus (WQ.287/2023)

Question

Will the Minister advise –

1. the total payment from Government to Libertybus so far this year and the projected cost for the whole year;
2. how much income is received annually by Libertybus from fares, in addition to payments from Government; and
3. whether the town hopper' bus is paid for entirely by Government grant; as a combination of grant and fare income; or is funded entirely from fare income?

Answer

The answers given to OQ.70/2020 and WQ.317/2020 provide an indication of the quantum of payments made in previous years. The difference in respect of 2023 will be represented by annual uplifts for inflation as provided for by the relevant clause in the Bus Operator Contractor, and the higher burden upon Government of additional concessionary fare reimbursements because of States Assembly decisions to extend free or discounted travel to more groups. No further information will be disclosed in relation to this during the tender period for the next Bus Operator Contract as it will set an expectation for tendered of the value of assistance that they might receive and consequentially it is considered to be commercially sensitive.

(b)

The fare revenue is commercially confidential and cannot be disclosed without the consent of LibertyBus.

(c)

The Townlink bus service, currently comprising services 20 and 24, is operated on a fixed cost basis and no further reimbursement is made for any form of concessionary fares recorded in respect of passenger journeys on these routes. A small amount of on-bus revenue, for example from those paying single fares, is collected on the Townlink service and is retained by LibertyBus.

14. Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding knee and hip operations(WQ.288/2023)

Question

Will the Minister provide the following for each of the last 5 years, including to date in 2023 –

1. the number of patients waiting for knee and hip operations;
2. the length of time patients have been waiting for such operations;
3. the number of hip and knee operations carried out;
4. the number of Jersey patients who have had hip or knee operations privately in –

1. Jersey
2. UK or elsewhere

and state, if known, how many of those were previously on the Health Service waiting list; and

5. how much each of these procedures costs the Health Service?

Answer

The data below refer to the following hip and knee replacement procedures:

• Total Hip Replacements.
• Total Knee Replacements.
• Replacement of Femoral Head only (partial hip replacement).
• Hybrid Hip Replacements.
• Hybrid Knee Replacements.
• Uni-compartmental Knee Replacements.

Figures are provided up to 26 May 2023 at which point the HCS Patient Administration System (TrakCare) was switched off and replaced with a new Electronic Patient Record system (IMS Maxims). Statistical reporting of theatre activity and waiting lists is currently being finalised and validated as part of acceptance testing of the new system. Clinical Coding of inpatient procedures is an ongoing process, performed following the discharge of a patient from hospital, so figures are liable to change.

1. As at the 26 May 2023, there were 168 Patients on the elective inpatient waiting list for the above procedures, including patients listed for Bilateral Procedures (Twice).

When patients were listed for a procedure in TrakCare, the intended procedure was recorded in a free text format that is not machine readable. This means that identifying hip and knee replacements requires manually reviewing the waiting list. Therefore, the position is provided for the latest available date only. Improved functionality in the new EPR (IMS Maxims) means that all listings going forward will be recorded against a standardised procedure code to allow in-depth reporting in future.

2. The table below shows the number of days each of the above patients had been waiting as at 26 May 2023, grouped by total days waiting.

When patients were listed for a procedure in TrakCare, the intended procedure was recorded in a free text format that is not machine readable. This means that identifying hip and knee replacements requires manually reviewing the waiting list. Therefore, the position is provided for the latest available date only. Improved functionality in the new EPR (IMS Maxims) means that all listings going forward will be recorded against a standardised procedure code to allow in-depth reporting in future.

3. The table below shows the total number of public hip and knee replacements performed per year, to date (as of 26/05/2023):

Data Source: Hospital Patient Administration System (TrakCare, OPCS Theatre Report CDG4H).

Note: these figures do not include hip and knee replacements referred off island. The reason is that off-island data is not recorded at procedure level, only financial tariff (HRG) codes which includes many other operations other than replacements.

4. i) The table below shows the total number of private hip and knee replacements performed per year in Jersey, to date (as of 26/05):

Data Source: Hospital Patient Administration System (TrakCare, OPCS Theatre Report CDG4H).

Note: It is not recorded whether these patients were previously on the waiting list for a public procedure.

ii) HCS does not hold data on patients who choose to receive private care in the UK.

5. The table below shows the total cost of public hip and knee replacements performed per year in Jersey, to date (as of 26/05/2023):

Data Source: HCS Person Level Information & Costing System prepared up to 2021 (PLICS).

In 2021, the average cost of a hip replacement procedure was £9,542 and the average of a knee replacement procedure was £8,536.

These figures do not include the cost of hip and knee replacements referred off island.

2.16   Deputy  R.S.   Kovacs  of  St.  Saviour  of  the  Chief Minister  regarding  businesses  and employment licences (WQ.290/2023)

Question

Will the Minister state –

1. how many new businesses have been launched each year since 2019;
2. of those, how many were small businesses and in which industry do they operate;
3. for each of the businesses identified in (b) (anonymised if necessary) would the Minister provide details as to –
   1. how many employment licences for under 5-year residency were received upon commencement of trading and how many are held currently;
   2. what proportion of total current staff is made up of employment licences for under 5- year residency;
   3. how many applications for employment licences for under 5-year residency have been refused and, in each case, what was the reason; and
4. what are the criteria pursuant to which licences for employment are awarded to businesses?"

Answer (a)

We cannot measure business launches' but can report on the number of applications for new business licences under the Control of Housing and Work Law as below.

These figures show the number of individuals given permission to start a new business. The business does not need any additional permission to start trading so this is not specifically recorded by government.

(b)

The Control of Housing and Work Law does not include a definition for small business'. A business can change its numbers of employees over time, either through growth/contraction, due to seasonal activity, or the greater economic/business cycle.

The process to register a new business does not include collecting information on the number of locally qualified people to be employed in the business. Many businesses are set up as sole traders without employees.

Data is available for new businesses based on number of employees at the point of their first manpower return after their first application for a business license. Manpower returns are made every 6 months.

Year  of  Initial  Classification

Business  Licence

Application  6  or  more  5 or fewer employees  employees

2019  33  793 2020  32  846 2021  14  995

2022  19  714

Note that -

• not every business will start trading immediately and so they may not be included in the next manpower turn.
• some businesses will only trade for a short period and may not be captured on a manpower return
• some individuals may be granted a business licence but then choose not to set up the business

Looking at the businesses that were recorded on the first manpower return after the business licence was approved and the number of employees on that manpower return was 5 or less, the following information by sector is set out below. Note the reservations above that this will not include every new small business.

*Industry  sector  as  recorded  at  time  of  business  licence  approval  .  Industry  sectors  for  an undertaking may have changed with time.

In broader terms, the 6 monthly Statistics Jersey Labour Market Reports provide regular breakdowns of Private Sector Undertakings by number of employees. These are published on gov.je and include all businesses. An extract from the most recent publication has been provided below:

(c)i & (c)ii

CLS does not record when a business undertaking launches to the public or begins to trade for the first time. A business owner may commence trading at any point after they have received a valid business licence.

CLS  records  when  a  business  applies  for  Registered  or  Licensed  Staffing  Permissions.  An undertaking may apply for these permissions at the time of first registering their undertaking, or these staffing permissions may be applied for at a later date.

Note that licensed posts are valid for up to 10 years and it is not possible to differentiate between 0- 5 years licensed employees and 5-10 years licensed employees. The figures below include all licensed employees in the selected businesses.

Looking at the businesses that were recorded on the first manpower return after the business licence was approved and the number of employees on that manpower return was 5 or less, the following information on staffing permissions is set out below. Note the reservations above that this will not include every new small business.

* Note that the current position relates to businesses that are still operating.

Looking at the businesses that were recorded on the first manpower return after the business licence was approved and the number of employees on that manpower return was 5 or less, the following information on the proportions of registered and licensed staff recorded on the 2022 manpower return is set out below. Note the reservations above that this will not include every new small business.

Not every business included in this category has provided a manpower return for December 2022. Not every business includes any employees.

In broader terms, the Statistics Jersey Labour market report provides a regular breakdown of the proportion of the Labour Market employed on a Registered or Licensed Permission.

For the subset of 5 employees or less undertakings which applied for a Business License between 2019-01-01 and 2023-03-31 where there is a relevant manpower return and employees, in total about 9% of their employee workforce is either Registered or Licensed.

(c)iii

The details behind any staffing permission refusals are recorded in the decision letter sent to the business owner as part of their application for a variation of their business license. There may be one or more reasons, to refuse one or more of any of the requested staffing permissions. Therefore, it not simple to collapse down the circumstances of each case into a single simple reason for refusal.

It would take manual review of each application to first extract detail from customer correspondence to, then summarise common themes.

Using the same group as above, this table provides a summary of the number of applications for staffing permissions that have been refused.

(d)

When deciding whether to grant a business licence, additional Registered and Licensed permissions (for employees), or vary the conditions of a business licence, as specified in Article 26(9) of CHWL the following matters are relevant:

1. Preserving and maximising the benefits of Jersey's resources
2. Promoting a balanced and prosperous economy
3. Protecting the integrity and reputation of Jersey in commercial and financial matters
4. Any relevant policies of the States of Jersey
5. Whether such a grant would be in the public interest; and
6. In the case of a hawker's licence, whether the applicant is a fit and proper person.

Criteria used to review an application

Officers will review the application against two sets of criteria

1. Qualifying criteria

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the application must pass through all 7 of the checks below before progressing to the main criteria

There are no ongoing investigations against the business related to employing Registered or Licensed staff without permission

2. Main criteria

There is no set number of main criteria an application must meet to be approved. The strength of each factor is considered in the context of the business, industry and circumstances outlined in each application.

16. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism,  Sport  and  Culture  regarding  current  and  capital  account  information (WQ.290/2023)

Question

Will the Minister advise whether consideration has been given, or will be given, to the Government holding current and capital account information; and, if not, why not?

The current and capital account are based on a complex and diverse range of data sources, complicated further by Jersey's close relationship, and customs union, with the UK and the other Crown Dependencies. The Export Strategy Green Paper, published last year, set out improved data as a key workstream and some avenues to achieve this. We will shortly be publishing an Export Strategy for Jersey with further proposals.

17. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for the Environment regarding a Planning Appeals Board (WQ.291/2023)

Question

Will the Minister advise whether he has considered, or is considering, establishing a Planning Appeals Board; and if not, why not?

Answer

The term Planning Appeals Board' is not a defined term within the current Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002, and has not been used as a term within the last consideration of the appeal system in 2014 when the then Minister for Planning and Environment presented the Draft Planning and Building (Amendment No. 6) (Jersey) Law 201- following the approval by the States Assembly of P.87/2013: "Planning Appeals: revised system".

Currently, all planning appeals and planning inquiries are considered by an independent planning inspector. They are then determined by me or my Assistant Minister. If the appellant feels aggrieved by the ministerial decision, then an appeal to the Royal Court is allowed (but only on points of law).

Following an amendment to the Planning and Building Law 2002 that was passed in 2022, I am able to form a Determining Panel to consider the determination of a Planning Inquiry. The first such Determining Panel was constituted by me earlier this year to consider the South West St Helier (Waterfront) planning application.

The system for making an appeal which resulted from the changes made in 2013 continues to provide the public with an effective and affordable route to making an appeal against a planning or building decision. Amending the current system is not currently under consideration, however I am committed to improving Planning Services and I will remain open to a review of the planning appeals process should it be shown to be in the interest of the public.  

18. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding accommodating private healthcare within the new healthcare facilities project (WQ.292/2023)

Question

Will the Minister outline what plans, if any, have been made to accommodate private healthcare within the new healthcare facilities project to generate additional income?

Answer

There will be provision for private healthcare in the New Hospital Facilities programme but the detail of the final number of beds will be considered at the Outline Business Case stage.

19. Deputy S.G. Luce of Grouville and St. Martin of the Minister for the Environment regarding average sea temperatures (WQ.293/2023)

Question

Will the Minister inform the Assembly of the average monthly sea temperatures in local waters over the last 10 years and the average quarterly sea temperatures over the last 20 years?

Answer

The official sea temperature for Jersey is recorded by Jersey Met at the end of the Fuel Tanker Berth, St. Helier Harbour.

The monthly average sea temperature for the 10-year period from 2013 to 2022 in °C compared with the climatological 30-year period average from 1991 to 2020 is shown in the table below:

The quarterly average sea temperature for the 20-year period from 2003 to 2022 in °C is shown in the table below:

20. Deputy  G.P.   Southern  of  St.  Helier  Central  of  the  Chief  Minister  regarding  the Government's continuing commitment to putting children first' (WQ.294/2023)

Question

In light of the Government's continuing commitment to "putting children first", will the Chief Minister –

1. state what data is collected to determine and measure childhood social conditions in Jersey, and whether this includes the average height of children, as is reported to be the case in the UK, and provide her assessment from the data of how such conditions have changed over the last decade, highlighting in particular whether it is her assessment that the conditions have deteriorated;
2. with reference to the UNICEF report entitled Worlds of Influence', state how many, and what proportion of, children in Jersey live in households with less than 60% ofmedian income and how the Island compares with other jurisdictions in this area;
3. state what data, if any, is available to measure child poverty in the Island and how the level of such poverty changed over the last decade;
4. explain what measures are in place to reduce the level of child poverty; and
5. explain what data is available in respect of public spending on child education and care for children and state what the current level of expenditure per child is?

As our Common Strategic Policy and Ministerial Plans made clear, we have set an ambition for all children and young people to have the best start in life, recognising that the early years have a lasting impact, and that being loved, being listened to, and receiving a good, rounded education are essential to future life chances.

The best way to ensure that all families have a good quality of life is to safeguard a strong economy and maximise job opportunities, so that parents can provide for their children. Within my first 100 days, we introduced a mini-Budget that prioritised lower income taxes for hard working families and increased benefits for the most vulnerable. It is in this context that I have set out the range of activities that this Council of Ministers has prioritised in order to support families and reduce poverty.

1. The Jersey Children and Young Persons Survey is carried out by Statistics Jersey every two years – the last results were for 2021 R Jersey Children and Young People's Survey 20220309 SJ.pdf (gov.je). This survey included a range of questions on childhood social conditions in Jersey, including: lack of material possessions, financial status; wellbeing; health; exercise; dental hygiene; exercise; self-harm; belonging; smoking, alcohol and drug use; etc.

The reference to UK data includes the NHS National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) which covers children in Reception (aged 4-5 years) and Year 6 (aged 10-11 years) in mainstream state-maintained schools in England.  National Child Measurement Programme, England, 2021/22 school year - NDRS (digital.nhs.uk) The Jersey Child Measurement Programme (JCMP) likewise measures annually the height and weight of children in Reception (Year R: 4 to 5-year-olds) and Year 6 (10 to 11-year-olds) Child Measurement 2021-2022.pdf (gov.je) .

The Jersey Child Measurement Programme is primarily used to monitor childhood obesity amongst Jersey's children, and the data to date has not been used to look at standardised average height. The methodology used by the study referenced in the article by Michael Marmot can be assessed, to determine if it could be included in future reports.

The 2021 Children and Young Persons Survey includes a number of time-series. These show, for instance, that the proportion of young people eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day has improved in the last decade, as has the proportion of young people meeting the recommended level of physical activity. However, the proportion of young people who have visited the dentist in the last 6 months has declined in the last decade to 2021 (which is likely partly a Covid impact).

More detail can be found in the Obesity, Diet and Physical Activity Report

2. Statistics Jersey publish statistics on children in households below 60% median income in their household Income Distribution Statistics reports. The Statistics Jersey reports use the same income equivalisation process and the same 60% of the median threshold for relative low income that are used by Eurostat and UNICEF.

In 2021/2022 15% of children were in households in relative low income before housing costs i.e. below 60% median net income before housing costs, and 24% were in households in relative low income after housing costs.

For international comparisons, the UNICEF report Worlds of Influence (unicef.ca) was based on 2018 statistics for children aged under 18 living in relative low net income before housing costs. Note that Statistics Jersey's Income Distribution Statistics reports on children aged under 16, so they are not directly comparable with this UNICEF report. More recent international statistics for children aged under 16 living in households in relative low net income before housing costs for 2013 to 2022 are available from Eurostat here Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), and these are directly comparable with statistics from Jersey' income distribution report. This shows that the EU average proportion of proportion of children living in relative low net income before housing costs was 19.0% in 2022 compared to the Jersey equivalent of 15% for the March 2022 reference period.

3. Income Distribution Statistics are based on responses to the Living Costs and Household Income Survey, which is carried out periodically. Net income after housings costs is the headline income measure in Statistics Jersey's household Income Distribution Statistics reports, the latest being Household Income Distribution 2021/2022, as it measures disposable income available to households.

However, net income after housings costs is more difficult to measure than other types of income, so is less widely available from other jurisdictions. Statistics Jersey can make international comparisons with a wider range of countries by comparing net income before housing costs, but it should be noted that differences in housing costs between countries means this may not be indicative of how Jersey would compare using net income after housing costs.

The proportions of children living in households in relative low income after housing costs in Jersey are:

• 24% in 2021/2022
• 25% in 2019/2020
• 29% in 2014/2015
• 22% in 2009/2010

The UNICEF report uses net income before housing costs ("post-tax, post-transfer income"). The proportion of children living in households in relative low income before housing costs in Jersey are:

• 15% in 2021/2022
• 11% in 2019/2020
• 13% in 2014/2015
• 12% 2009/2010

Note that the UNICEF report referred to gives statistics for children aged under 18 who are living in relative low income, while Statistics Jersey's Income Distribution Statistics reports on children aged under 16, so they are not directly comparable. EU data Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu) measures the distribution of household net income before housing costs for under 16s from 2013 to 2022, and is therefore comparable to the Jersey data.

The proportion of children in relative low net income before housing costs in Jersey has remained below the EU average in each survey over the last decade, however the size of the

gap has narrowed in each survey (from 8 percentage points in 2014/2015, to 7 percentage points in 2019/2020, to 4 percentage points in 2021/2022).

In addition to the proportion of children in relative low income, Statistics Jersey publishes in the Jersey Children's and Young Persons Survey reports information on children lacking material belongings. Out of ten items that children and young people think are necessary for a normal kind of life' (e.g. a smartphone; money you can save each month), 1% of Jersey children lacked 5 or more items, and 19% lacked 2-4 items. The 2021 survey results do not provide a time series, but Statistics Jersey could provide this data for the previous two surveys on request.

4. explain what measures are in place to reduce the level of child poverty;

The most significant measure for supporting families and children is to enable a strong and growing economy. This allows most families to be financially independent and keep more of their income. For example, the 100 Day Plan included a mini-Budget that put over £56 million back into the pockets of Islanders. The accompanying Children's Rights Impact Assessment set out that single taxpayers saw a reduction in their tax liability of £520, while married couples and civil partnerships saw a reduction of £832.

The mini-Budget's increases to the maximum available childcare tax relief caps also provided further support, up to a maximum of £202 for each school aged child, and more than £500 for pre-school age children. The Ministerial Cost of Living Strategy Group actively considers the topic of childcare provision and further measures may be announced in the future.

As one of my three areas of relentless focus, housing is also critical to preventing and alleviating child poverty. The Life on the Rock report identified that stable, quality housing was one of the top five issues that would make a difference to a quarter of children's lives. This is a top priority for this Council of Ministers. Work is currently underway to improve Jersey's provision of housing, including the quality of accommodation, which will alleviate some aspects of child poverty.

The Government also has a role in safeguarding rights for parents and children which can prevent poverty. For example, in 2021 contributory benefits were extended to create a new parental allowance, to allow both parents to claim a total of up to 32 weeks parental allowance between them. Similar rights were extended to adoptive parents. (P.124/2020). The final stage of family friendly employment legislation was introduced in 2020 with both parents entitled to six weeks of paid leave, up to a year of leave in total, and improved rights in respect of breastfeeding and time off to attend antenatal appointments. Again, similar rights were extended to adoptive parents. (P.100/2019). Finally, rights under the discrimination law were updated in 2021 to extend discrimination rights to parents with children seeking to rent or buy property (P.58/2021).

A strong and growing economy also provides tax revenue for the Government to target benefits and support to low income families with over five years' residence. Financial support for parents is provided through a range of statutory and non statutory provision.

The  main  statutory  provision  is  the  income  support  system  which  supports  low  income households with weekly benefit payments. Current component rates include:

Child components and childcare components have both been subject to significant increases over the last five years.

In addition, the value of the extra support provided to a single parent has increased from £10.15 per week in 2018 to £43.47 per week today.

In 2020, the Health Access Scheme was established, providing free GP surgery visits to all children in income support households aged under 17. A separate scheme to provide free GP surgery visits to all children, regardless of income, has been agreed by the States Assembly and will be launched in the near future.

Healthy Start vouchers provide extra help with the cost of fresh fruit and vegetables to low income families with children up to the age of four and Income Support families with a child under three years receive extra help with winter heating costs.

In addition to ongoing benefit support, a number of temporary schemes over the last three years have included support for children. These included:

• Spend Local - £100 per child to spend in local businesses – summer 2020
• CRESS - £50 per child per week to support families of registered workers unable to find employment during COVID restrictions - April to August 2020
• COLTS - monthly payments between April and December 2022 - £20 per child April to June; £40 per child July to December
• Dental catch up scheme - free dental check ups and treatment for income support children during 2022
• Parental Support Payment - one off payment of £250 for a single child or £500 for a family with two or more children, provided in early 2023 to families that include a registered worker with low household income

5. explain what data is available in respect of public spending on child education and care for children and state what the current level of expenditure per child is?"

Spending on child education and care is published in the Annual Report and Accounts for the Government of Jersey and planned expenditure is published in the Government Plan. Latest published figures in the Government Plan 2023 to 2026 Annex are:

The Education Directorate provides the regulatory framework for pre-school registered carers, private nurseries and for all education providers. It provides fully government-funded school places for the majority of Island children, and partial funding for some fee-charging schools; it supplies specialist skills into schools, and funds individual educational support packages for the children with the most complex needs.

Education budgets are no longer driven solely by pupil numbers. The funding formula has been reworked in line with the recommendations of the Independent Schools Funding Review. School budgets now reflect a greater proportion of fixed and semi-fixed costs and a smaller proportion of pupil-driven costs.

Education costs per individual child are not therefore readily available and the average is not meaningful at system level. Actual costs per child range widely. Some children have minimal or partial support from the taxpayer and, at the other end of the scale, there are children in fully government-funded schools, who may access centrally provided specialist support and for whom schools receive individual additional funding in respect of their complex needs and/or compensation for disadvantage.

For example, there is an additional allowance to schools for 3043 children who qualify for Jersey Premium. The budget for Jersey Premium is £4,253,000.

The Children's Social Care and Safeguarding directorate provides care for children in the care of the Minister, early interventions to support families on the edge of care, and support for Care Leavers. It also supports all other agencies involved with these children and their families. Again, the average cost per child is not meaningful and the individual cost is not readily available.

*Numbers relate to government schools only – fee-charging, non-fee paying and special. Numbers accurate at time of January census. Highlands, Private Nursery, EHE and non-provided schools not included.

** Nursery to Year 13 – all government fee-paying and non- fee charging, as well as special schools

21. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Children and Education regarding staffing at the Department of Children, Young People, Education and Skills (WQ.295/2023)

Question

Will the Minister state how many staff are currently employed by the Department of Children, Young People, Education and Skills –

1. as Advisors to Education in any role;
2. as staff on the leadership scale (or current definition of this scale);
3. on or above main teaching scale 9; and
4. on or below main teaching scale 8?

Answer

1. Advisors to Education in any role;

2. as staff on the leadership scale across the whole of CYPES (or current definition of this scale);

3. all staff on teachers T&Cs on MPS 9 or above
4. all staff on teachers T&Cs on MPS 8 or below

22. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of the Minister for the Environment regarding the e-bike subsidy (WQ.296/2023)

Question

Will the Minister state –

1. the current amount of expenditure to date on the e-bike subsidy (i.e. vouchers used in Jersey);
2. what percentage does this represent of the funding allocated to the project; and
3. what happens to any unspent funding?

Answer

1. Since the e-bike grant scheme launched in January 2023, a total of £32,100 worth of grants has been redeemed.
2. This represents approximately 11% of the £300,000 earmarked for e-bike grants from Carbon Neutral Roadmap (CNR) policy TR1's Climate Emergency Fund (CEF) allocation.

(d) Any e-bike grants that expire without being redeemed are reallocated out to someone else in a future quarterly release. The full £300,000 is therefore forecast to be allocated as grants, with no underspend predicted. In the unlikely event of underspend after the final quarterly release (end of 2024), any remaining funds would stay within the CEF for allocation to future CNR-related policies.

23. Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central of the Minister for the Environment regarding the Carbon Neutral Fund (WQ.297/2023)

Question

Will the Minister state the current balance of the Carbon Neutral Fund and the total amount spent from the Fund since its establishment?

Answer

The Climate Emergency Fund was set up in 2020[1] with seed funding of £5M and receives annual income from a proportion of fuel duty. The Carbon Neutral Roadmap[2] (CNR) proposed the full expenditure from the Fund on carbon reduction policies and was agreed by the States Assembly in 2022, so defining its full expenditure profile for the first 4 years of delivery (2022 – 2025). Prior to the agreement of the CNR, the Assembly agreed some areas of expenditure on sustainable transport and environmental protection and biodiversity initiatives in 2020 and 2021.

It is important to note that there is rollover of funds between years. Thus, whilst underspends represent a lack of policy delivery and of course benefits derived from them, the accumulation of funding means that as soon as agreed policies are launched, they remain fully funded and no overall budget is lost.

The current balance of the Climate Emergency Fund at 31 December 2022 was £9.29M and expenditure was £3.374M (table 1).

Table 1: Climate Emergency Fund balance

Please note that due to challenges with the new finance system, it has not been possible to provide more up to date figures. Current 2023 figures should be available at the end of August.

24. Deputy L.J. Farnham of St. Ouen , St. Mary and St. Peter of the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding the cost of the proposed New Healthcare Facilities(WQ.298/2023)

Question

Will the Minister advise members of the total estimated cost of the proposed New Healthcare Facilities up to the planned completion date of 2031?

Answer

Ministers are keen to learn from lessons of the past, when full cost details have been made public and have undermined the commercial position of previous projects with contractors. Ministers are, therefore, acutely conscious of the significant risks to the project of making full budget details available to a wide audience.

Under the proposed phased approach to delivery of the programme, we will include financial information in a Government Plan as required for each phase. This will help to mitigate the commercial risk to the project, and supports my policy of ensuring that each phase is affordable before we commit to delivery.

 The first phase will consist of providing the urgently needed acute facilities at Overdale which are anticipated to cost less than the previous Our Hospital Project. This phased approach will ultimately allow for greater risk management by controlling expenditure – and therefore affordability – over a longer period of time.

25. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Chair of the States Employment Board regarding the recruitment model applied for both the interim and permanent Chief Executive (WQ.299/2023)

Question

Will the Chair provide full details of the recruitment model applied for both the interim and permanent Chief Executive, including –

1. the level of commercial experience and knowledge sought;
2. the experience of drafting problem statements, of closed loop processes, and of 8D problem- solving methodology sought, if any;
3. the key performance indicators; and
4. the standard terms of employment contract?

Answer

1. The full requirements for the role were set out in the role profile and candidate information pack. The key areas for assessment were agreed in advance as:

Leadership Experience

• Someone who has credible leadership credentials that demonstrates the ability to lead a complex organisation and delivers measurable outcomes.
• Someone who demonstrates values-led leadership and can bring a range of stakeholders through effective change.
• The ability to lead by example.
• Preferable professional qualification in Directorships or academic qualification in business management.

Experience of leading delivery in similar type organisations

• Experience of larger, complex organisations. Possibly an international or group structure organisation, large public sector institution or highly regulated organisation. This could also include membership organisations, democratic bodies, or entities where there is a strong focus on customer delivery. Sector agnostic.

• The ability to focus on what is needed and delegate effectively. Putting in place strategies for assurance and delivery.
• Possible experience in leading large, complex programmes of work (including capital)
• Experience of leading systemic and sustained improvements.

Understanding of good governance

• Demonstrates good governance, may reference governance standards or frameworks.
• An understanding of governance (or similar) in the public sector including internal controls, audit, assurance and reporting.
• Evidence of understanding of risk and risk management.
• Understanding of democratic decision-making structures and accountability.

Performance management experience

• Strong demonstration of a focus on performance management with direct reports and across an organisation with measurable results.
• Evidence of strengthening performance and accountability.

Demonstration of ability to manage complex and competing workload

• Demonstrates a broad/complex portfolio of activity and delivery.
• Ability to prioritise and/or focus on what's necessary, at the right level.
• Ability to operate strategically and focus on delivery and achievements.

Leading change

• Demonstration of understanding of frameworks, approaches and / or methods for change management at a strategic level.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience of delivering successful change (and/or a reflection of when change hasn't worked).
• Ability to demonstrate how change is governed and managed in a complex organisation.

Demonstrating impact and credibility across a range of stakeholders

• Experience of working across a range of stakeholders from Executive through to front line and customers, communities, and citizens.  
• Ability to demonstrate an inclusive leadership style, valuing diversity and inclusion to build trust and confidence in the organisation from a range of stakeholders.  

Understanding of Jersey's heritage, constitutional aspects and Island identity

• An appreciation of Jersey's needs from an interim CEO.
• Sound grasp of Island life, challenges, benefits and opportunities
• Understanding of the Government agenda and plans

2. For the interim position, an occupational psychological questionnaire was completed and validated. For the permanent role, a more comprehensive assessment centre will be designed against the permanent role profile.
3. Key performance indicators will be agreed with the interim Chief Executive Officer at the start of his contract in September 2023.

4. Key terms of the employment contract are a salary in the range of £220,000 - £250,000. As a secondment, all other terms and conditions remain as per his current employment.

26. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Chief Minister regarding training of 8D problem- solving and closed loop processes (WQ.300/2023)

Question

Will the Chief Minister provide details of any training given to States Members and staff within the Cabinet Office and the Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department on the following areas –

1. 8D problem-solving and the drafting of problem statements; and
2. closed loop processes;

and will she explain the extent, if any, to which these processes are used in the production of Government policy?

Answer

The Government of Jersey has introduced its own Policy Profession standards and processes, in order to ensure that Ministers are provided with world class advice and support. This has included developing new Policy Professional Standards at all grades, with clear routes for career progression for islanders. It has led to introducing new training and experiences to upskill civil servants in a range of policy strategies and techniques, including how to define the scope of new areas of policy and how to problem solve. This has been supported by an academic partnership with the prestigious King's College of London's International School of Government.

With regards to the particular techniques referenced in a) and b), no programmed training on these two methods is provided as standard, although some individuals may have had this training.

27. Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Minister for the Environment regarding the Planning Committee (WQ.301/2023)

Question

Will the Minister state –

1. the number of hours during the last 12 months that the Planning Committee was in session for –
   1. meetings not held in public; and
   2. hearings of planning applications;
2. the number and cost of appeals from Planning Committee decisions during the last 12 months;
3. the amount and cost of Independent Planning Inspectors' time to consider and hear appeals against Planning Committee decisions for each 12-month period from 30th June 2020 to date;
4. the average cost, per hour, of Independent Planning Inspectors' time to consider and hear appeals against Planning Committee decisions over the last 12 months;
5. the number of Members of the Planning Committee who attended each individual hearing for planning applications over the last 3 years; and

6. the number of occasions over the last 12 months that each Planning Committee member has recused themselves from hearing a planning application owing to a conflict of interest, if any, together with the nature of the interests declared?

Answer (a)

1. During the past 12 months, meetings not held in public were i) site visits, whereby the Planning Committee visits all sites subject to applications being heard in public and the total time was approximately 104 hours and ii) training courses prior to their formation and first meeting which was approximately 16 hours; and
2. During the past 12 months, there have been 13 meetings of the Planning Committee held in public and this equated to approximately 104 hours.

2. During the past 12 months, there were 11 appeals against decisions made by the Planning Committee. The Judicial Greffe administers planning appeals. Not all costs are assigned directly to each appeal; for instance, the Tribunal staff and offices are shared by all tribunals run by the service. Therefore, calculating the average spend for appeal requires assumptions to be made about the allocation of shared costs.
3. During the past 12 months, there have been 11 appeals against decisions made by the Planning Committee. Data is not held on the cost associated with each appeal, because an inspector will handle multiple appeals in a single engagement and the fee is based on time logged for all appeals considered. This is usually by a day rate rather than hourly rate.
4. The day rate for an Independent Planning Inspector is £350, which would equate to an hourly rate of £47.50. This is no different if the Inspector is considering an appeal of a delegated decision or Planning Committee decision.
5. The number of Members of the Planning Committee who attended each individual hearing for planning applications over the last 3 years.