States Minutes 14 December 2023

THE STATES assembled on Thursday 14th December 2023, at 9.30 a.m. under the Presidency of the Bailiff ,

Sir Timothy John Le Cocq .

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All members were present at roll call with the exception of –

Connétable Deidre Wendy Mezbourian of St. Lawrence – excused attendance

Connétable Andrew Nicholas Jehan of St. John – excused attendance

Deputy Louise Mary Catherine Doublet of St. Saviour – en défaut (défaut raised at 9.51 a.m.) Deputy Carina Soares Alves of St. Helier Central – en défaut (défaut raised at 10.07 a.m.)

Deputy Philip Francis Cyril Ozouf of St. Saviour – en défaut (défaut raised at 9.51 a.m.)

Deputy Hilary Louise Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity – en défaut (défaut raised at 11.07 a.m.)

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Prayers

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Standing Order 55A – remote participation

THE STATES, with reference to their Act dated 14th September 2021, in which they had agreed that, notwithstanding Standing Order 55A(1), members who did not wish to attend in the States Chamber might continue to take part in States meetings using Microsoft Teams (until the States had considered and voted upon a proposition to re-apply Standing Order 55A(1) or to repeal or vary the terms of the Standing Order), assembled in accordance with Standing Order 55A with members able to participate remotely using Microsoft Teams.

Notification of lodged propositions

Draft Finance (2024 Budget) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.91/2023): fifth amendment. P.91/2023. Lodged: 14th December 2023, Minister for Treasury and Resources.  Amd.(5).

Requirement for Seconder at Time of Lodging a Proposition. P.102/2023. Lodged: 14th December 2023, Deputy M.R. Ferey of St. Saviour

Maximum Employment Probation Periods P.103/2023. Lodged: 14th December 2023, Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North

Arrangement of public business for the present meeting

THE STATES, adopting a proposition of the Vice-Chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, agreed to meet that day until 8.00 p.m. with a half-hour adjournment at 5.30 p.m.

Members present voted as follows –

POUR: 31  CONTRE: 9  ABSTAIN: 1 Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Brelade Deputy S.Y. Mézec

Connétable of St. Peter Deputy I. Gardiner

Connétable of St. Martin Deputy K.L. Moore Connétable of St. Clement Deputy D.J. Warr Connétable of Grouville Deputy H.M. Miles Connétable of St. Ouen Deputy J. Renouf Connétable of St. Mary Deputy R.S. Kovacs Connétable of St. Saviour   Deputy A.F. Curtis Deputy G.P. Southern Deputy M.B. Andrews Deputy C.F. Labey

Deputy M. Tadier

Deputy S.G. Luce

Deputy K.F. Morel

Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat

Deputy S.M. Ahier

Deputy R.J. Ward

Deputy L.J. Farnham

Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache

Deputy T.A. Coles

Deputy B.B.de S.V.M. Porée

Deputy M.R. Scott

Deputy C.D . Curtis

Deputy L.V. Feltham

Deputy R.E. Binet

Deputy M.E. Millar

Deputy A. Howell

Deputy T.J.A. Binet

Deputy M.R. Ferey

Deputy B. Ward

Deputy K.M. Wilson

Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson

Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027 P.72/2023

THE STATES, resuming consideration of a proposition of the Council of Ministers entitled Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027' (P.72/2023), as amended, resumed consideration of an amendment of Deputy Samuel Yves Mézec of St. Helier South (P.72/2023 Amd.(7)) and rejected the amendment that, after paragraph (k), there should be inserted the following new paragraph (l) and the existing paragraph (l) re-designated as paragraph (m) –

"(l)  to agree in principle that from the year of assessment 2025 the 20% personal income tax rate

should no longer be available (except for High Value Residents, for whom no change is proposed), and personal income tax should instead be charged at a rate of 25% (with all personal income taxpayers being entitled to the allowances and reliefs which are available to marginal rate taxpayers when calculating the amount of income taxable at the rate of 25%), and to direct the Minister for Treasury and Resources to bring forward the necessary legislative changes for debate by the Assembly during 2024; and".

Members present voted as follows –

POUR: 11  CONTRE: 35  ABSTAIN: 0

Deputy G.P. Southern Connétable of St. Helier Deputy M. Tadier Connétable of St. Brelade Deputy R.J. Ward Connétable of Trinity Deputy C.S. Alves Connétable of St. Peter Deputy S.Y. Mézec Connétable of St. Martin Deputy T.A. Coles Connétable of St. Clement

Deputy B.B.de S.V.M. Porée Deputy C.D . Curtis

Deputy L.V. Feltham Deputy R.S. Kovacs Deputy M.B. Andrews

Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Saviour Deputy C.F. Labey

Deputy S.G. Luce

Deputy L.M.C. Doublet Deputy K.F. Morel Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat Deputy S.M. Ahier Deputy I. Gardiner Deputy I.J. Gorst

Deputy L.J. Farnham Deputy K.L. Moore Deputy P.F.C. Ozouf Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache Deputy D.J. Warr

Deputy H.M. Miles Deputy M.R. Scott Deputy J. Renouf

Deputy R.E. Binet

Deputy M.E. Millar Deputy A. Howell

Deputy T.J.A. Binet Deputy M.R. Ferey Deputy A.F. Curtis Deputy B. Ward

Deputy K.M. Wilson Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson

THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and rejected an amendment of Deputy Samuel Yves Mézec of St. Helier South (P.72/2023 Amd.(3)) that, after paragraph (k), there should be inserted the following new paragraph (l) and the existing paragraph (l) re- designated as paragraph (m) –

"(l)  to agree that the upper earnings limit, as defined within the Social Security (Jersey) Law 1974,

should be removed, abolishing the upper earnings cap on Social Security Contributions and on Long Term Care Contributions and increasing the estimated closing balance of the relevant Funds by £9 million and £8.5 million respectively by the end of 2024; and".

Members present voted as follows –

POUR: 12 CONTRE: 33 ABSTAIN: 0

Connétable of St. Martin Deputy G.P. Southern Deputy M. Tadier

Deputy R.J. Ward

Deputy C.S. Alves

Deputy S.Y. Mézec

Deputy T.A. Coles

Deputy B.B.de S.V.M. Porée Deputy C.D . Curtis

Deputy L.V. Feltham Deputy R.S. Kovacs Deputy M.B. Andrews

Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Peter Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Saviour Deputy C.F. Labey Deputy S.G. Luce

Deputy L.M.C. Doublet

Deputy K.F. Morel Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat Deputy S.M. Ahier Deputy I. Gardiner Deputy I.J. Gorst

Deputy L.J. Farnham Deputy P.F.C. Ozouf Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache Deputy D.J. Warr

Deputy H.M. Miles Deputy M.R. Scott Deputy J. Renouf

Deputy R.E. Binet

Deputy M.E. Millar Deputy A. Howell

Deputy T.J.A. Binet Deputy M.R. Ferey Deputy A.F. Curtis Deputy B. Ward

Deputy K.M. Wilson Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson

THE STATES noted that, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 106, Deputy Kristina Louise Moore of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter declared an interest in the subject of the amendment of Deputy Samuel Yves Mézec of St. Helier South (P.72/2023 Amd.(3)) to the proposition of the Council of Ministers, in that a person relevant to her maintained a business that would be impacted by the amendment, if adopted, and, as the interest was a financial interest that was direct to the relevant person, the Deputy withdrew from the Chamber for the duration of the debate and vote on the amendment.

THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and rejected an amendment of Deputy Max Brennan Andrews of St. Helier North (P.72/2023 Amd.(11)) that, in paragraph (l), after the words "as set out at Appendix 3 of the Report" there should be inserted the words –

", except that, on Page 9, after the words "to enter the housing market" there should be inserted the following new paragraph –

" •  The Assisted Purchase Home Ownership scheme will be amended to allow a greater number of first time buyers to be supported, through a reduction of the shared equity loan to between 5 and 15 percent of market value."".

Members present voted as follows –

POUR: 1  CONTRE: 42  ABSTAIN: 0 Deputy M.B. Andrews Connétable of St. Helier

Connétable of St. Brelade

Connétable of Trinity

Connétable of St. Peter

Connétable of St. Martin

Connétable of St. Clement

Connétable of Grouville

Connétable of St. Ouen

Connétable of St. Mary

Connétable of St. Saviour

Deputy G.P. Southern

Deputy C.F. Labey

Deputy L.M.C. Doublet Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat Deputy S.M. Ahier

Deputy R.J. Ward

Deputy C.S. Alves

Deputy I. Gardiner

Deputy I.J. Gorst

Deputy K.L. Moore

Deputy S.Y. Mézec

Deputy P.F.C. Ozouf Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache Deputy T.A. Coles

Deputy B.B.de S.V.M. Porée Deputy D.J. Warr

Deputy H.M. Miles

Deputy M.R. Scott

Deputy J. Renouf

Deputy C.D . Curtis

Deputy L.V. Feltham Deputy R.E. Binet

Deputy H.L. Jeune

Deputy M.E. Millar

Deputy A. Howell

Deputy T.J.A. Binet

Deputy M.R. Ferey

Deputy R.S. Kovacs

Deputy A.F. Curtis

Deputy B. Ward

Deputy K.M. Wilson Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson

THE STATES, resuming consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, commenced consideration of an amendment of Deputy Andrea Howell of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity (P.72/2023 Amd.(30)) and, adopting an amendment of Deputy Andrea Howell of St. John, St. Lawrence and Trinity (P.72/2023 Amd.(30)Amd.(2)), agreed that, after the words "within the service" there should be inserted the words "excluding legally required positions,".

THE STATES resumed consideration of the amendment of Deputy Andrea Howell of St. John, St. Lawrence and Trinity , as amended, and, adopting an amendment of the Council of Ministers (P.72/2023 Amd.(30)Amd.), agreed that, after the words "until a full business case for the public health function has been produced, scrutinised, and approved", there should be inserted the words "by the States Employment Board".

THE STATES, adopting the amendment of Deputy Andrea Howell of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity , as amended, agreed that, in paragraph (l), after the words "as set out at Appendix 3 of the Report" there should be inserted the words –

", except that, on Page 10, after the words "£3m on an ongoing basis." there should be inserted the following, "The funding provided for the public health function is predicated upon a freeze on any recruitment within the service excluding legally required positions, whether due to increases in staff numbers or fulfilment of vacancies, until a full business case for the public health function has been produced, scrutinised, and approved by the States Employment Board."".

Members present voted as follows –

POUR: 37 CONTRE: 10 ABSTAIN: 0

Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Peter Connétable of St. Martin Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Saviour Deputy C.F. Labey

Deputy S.G. Luce

Deputy L.M.C. Doublet Deputy K.F. Morel Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat Deputy S.M. Ahier Deputy I. Gardiner Deputy I.J. Gorst

Deputy L.J. Farnham Deputy K.L. Moore Deputy P.F.C. Ozouf Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache Deputy D.J. Warr

Deputy H.M. Miles Deputy M.R. Scott Deputy J. Renouf

Deputy R.E. Binet

Deputy H.L. Jeune Deputy M.E. Millar Deputy A. Howell

Deputy T.J.A. Binet Deputy M.R. Ferey Deputy A.F. Curtis Deputy B. Ward

Deputy K.M. Wilson Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson Deputy M.B. Andrews

Deputy G.P. Southern Deputy M. Tadier

Deputy R.J. Ward

Deputy C.S. Alves

Deputy S.Y. Mézec

Deputy T.A. Coles

Deputy B.B.de S.V.M. Porée Deputy C.D . Curtis

Deputy L.V. Feltham Deputy R.S. Kovacs

THE STATES, resuming consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, commenced consideration of an amendment of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel (P.72/2023 Amd.(12)) and, adopting an amendment of the Council of Ministers (P.72/2023 Amd.(12)Amd.), agreed that –

after the words "as set out in S.R.20/2022" there should be inserted the words " a report published alongside the annual report and accounts will –" and the words "all subsequent Government Plans will – " should be deleted ; and

sub-paragraph (i) should be deleted and the subsequent sub-paragraphs re-designated accordingly.

THE STATES, adopting the amendment of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, as amended, agreed that, in paragraph (l), after the words "Appendix 3 to the Report" there should be inserted the words –

", except that, on page 57 after Table 16, there should be inserted the following new paragraph –

"In accordance with the recommendations of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, as set out in S.R.20/2022, a report published alongside the annual report and accounts will –

1. include a report on all Value for Money savings which were made during the duration of the previous Government Plan; and
2. identify and provide full details of the monitoring process that has been undertaken on the Value for Money programme during the duration of the previous Government Plan."".

Deputy Max Brennan Andrews of St. Helier North proposed his amendment (P.72/2023 Amd.(10)) to the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, but, as the amendment was not seconded, it was taken to have been withdrawn in accordance with Standing Order 102(2).

THE STATES, resuming consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, commenced consideration of an amendment of Deputy Robert James Ward of St. Helier Central (P.72/2023 Amd.(8)).

Arrangement of public business for the present meeting

THE STATES, adopting a proposition of Deputy Kristina Louise Moore of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter , agreed to meet that day until 6.00 p.m.

Members present voted as follows –

POUR: 21 CONTRE: 19 ABSTAIN: 0

Connétable of St. Peter Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of St. Ouen Deputy G.P. Southern Deputy S.M. Ahier

Deputy R.J. Ward

Deputy C.S. Alves

Deputy I.J. Gorst

Deputy L.J. Farnham

Deputy K.L. Moore

Deputy B.B.de S.V.M. Porée Deputy D.J. Warr

Deputy H.M. Miles

Deputy M.R. Scott

Deputy J. Renouf

Deputy C.D . Curtis

Deputy M.E. Millar

Deputy M.R. Ferey

Deputy R.S. Kovacs

Deputy A.F. Curtis

Deputy K.M. Wilson

Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Martin Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Saviour Deputy S.G. Luce

Deputy L.M.C. Doublet Deputy K.F. Morel Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat Deputy S.Y. Mézec Deputy T.A. Coles

Deputy L.V. Feltham Deputy R.E. Binet Deputy H.L. Jeune Deputy A. Howell Deputy B. Ward

Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson Deputy M.B. Andrews

Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027 P.72/2023

THE STATES, resuming consideration of a proposition of the Council of Ministers entitled Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027' (P.72/2023), as amended, resumed consideration of an amendment of Deputy Robert James Ward of St. Helier Central (P.72/2023 Amd.(8)) and rejected the amendment that, in paragraph (l), after the words "Appendix 3 to the Report" there should be inserted the words –

", except that, on page 91, after the words, "previously agreed increases in fuel duty." should be inserted the words "£1,500,000 of the funding allocated from the Climate Emergency fund to the 2022-2025 Carbon Neutral Roadmap budget will be moved from the TR1 policy subsidising electric vehicles and e-bikes to finance an extension to the Avanchi18 bus scheme to all Jersey residents aged 21 and under.".

Members present voted as follows –

POUR: 16  CONTRE: 28  ABSTAIN: 1 Connétable of St. Martin Connétable of St. Helier Deputy M.R. Scott

Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Brelade

Deputy G.P. Southern Connétable of Trinity

Deputy M. Tadier Connétable of St. Peter

Deputy S.G. Luce Connétable of St. Clement

Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat Connétable of Grouville

Deputy R.J. Ward Connétable of St. Ouen

Deputy C.S. Alves   Connétable of St. Saviour

Deputy L.J. Farnham Deputy L.M.C. Doublet

Deputy S.Y. Mézec   Deputy K.F. Morel

Deputy T.A. Coles   Deputy S.M. Ahier

Deputy B.B.de S.V.M. Porée   Deputy I. Gardiner

Deputy C.D . Curtis   Deputy I.J. Gorst

Deputy L.V. Feltham   Deputy K.L. Moore

Deputy R.S. Kovacs   Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache

Deputy B. Ward   Deputy D.J. Warr

Deputy H.M. Miles

Deputy J. Renouf

Deputy R.E. Binet

Deputy H.L. Jeune

Deputy M.E. Millar

Deputy A. Howell

Deputy T.J.A. Binet

Deputy M.R. Ferey

Deputy A.F. Curtis

Deputy K.M. Wilson

Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson

Deputy M.B. Andrews

THE STATES resumed consideration of a proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and rejected an amendment of Deputy Robert James Ward of St. Helier Central (P.72/2023 Amd.(9)) that, in paragraph (l), after the words "Appendix 3 to the Report" there should be inserted the words –

", except that, on page 91, after the words "previously agreed increases in fuel duty." should be inserted the words "£1,000,000 of the funding allocated from the Climate Emergency fund to the 2022-2025 Carbon Neutral Roadmap budget will be moved from the TR1 Policy subsidising electric vehicles and e-bikes to finance a trial scheme to subsidise Avanchicard Annual Unlimited bus passes, by –

1. covering £295 of the total cost of £495 per annual bus pass; and
2. offering these subsidised bus passes to the public in tranches of 1,000;

such trial to commence on 1st January 2024 and to be reviewed after 6 months to assess the extent of uptake".

Members present voted as follows –

POUR: 17 CONTRE: 29 ABSTAIN: 0

Connétable of St. Martin Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Mary Deputy G.P. Southern Deputy M. Tadier

Deputy S.G. Luce

Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat Deputy R.J. Ward

Deputy C.S. Alves

Deputy L.J. Farnham Deputy S.Y. Mézec

Deputy T.A. Coles

Deputy B.B.de S.V.M. Porée Deputy C.D . Curtis

Deputy L.V. Feltham Deputy R.S. Kovacs

Deputy M.B. Andrews

Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Peter Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Saviour Deputy C.F. Labey

Deputy L.M.C. Doublet Deputy K.F. Morel Deputy S.M. Ahier Deputy I. Gardiner Deputy I.J. Gorst

Deputy K.L. Moore Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache Deputy D.J. Warr

Deputy H.M. Miles Deputy M.R. Scott Deputy J. Renouf

Deputy R.E. Binet

Deputy H.L. Jeune Deputy M.E. Millar Deputy A. Howell

Deputy T.J.A. Binet Deputy M.R. Ferey Deputy A.F. Curtis Deputy B. Ward

Deputy K.M. Wilson Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson

THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and, adopting the proposition, as amended and with paragraphs re-designated accordingly in line with the amendments that had been adopted, received the Government Plan 2024 – 2027 specified in Article 9(1) of the Public Finances (Jersey) Law 2019 ("the Law") and specifically –

1. approved the estimate of total States income to be paid into the Consolidated Fund in 2024 as set out in Appendix 2 – Summary Table 1 to the Report, which was inclusive of the proposed taxation and impôts duties changes outlined in the Government Plan, in line with Article 9(2)(a) of the Law, except that –

1. in Summary Table 1 there should be inserted a new line below "Corporate Income Tax" entitled "Interest Tax Relief (letting properties only)" with a figure of £1.9 million to be placed in the column for the 2027 Estimate, to include funds generated from the abolition of interest tax relief on mortgages for letting properties, subject to the outcome of the Fiscal Policy Panel's review of Jersey's housing market which would be published in 2024, a full consultation process and consideration of the timing and cumulative impact upon Jersey's housing market; and

2. total estimate for 2024 Impôt Duties should be decreased by £1,033,000 by reducing the Impôt Duties for Spirits, Wine, Cider and Beer, with the relevant figures in Appendix 2 – Summary Table 1 updated in line with the following table –

3. total estimate for 2024 Impôt Duties should be decreased by £2,700,000 by freezing the Impôt Duties for Fuel, with the relevant figures in Appendix 2 – Summary Table 1 updated in line with the following table, and subsequent figures updated accordingly –

2. referred to their Act dated 30th September 2016 and approved the application of existing resources for work on the development of user pays' charges in relation to all aspects of waste, including commercial and domestic liquid and solid waste;
3. approved the proposed Changes to Approval for financing/borrowing for 2024, as shown in Appendix 2 – Summary Table 2 to the Report, which might be obtained by the Minister for Treasury and Resources, as and when required, in line with Article 9 (2)(c) of the Law, of up to those revised approvals;
4. approved the extension of the use of the existing Revolving Credit Facility to include the provision of funds  that would otherwise be  implemented  through bank  overdraft or bank overdraft facilities under Article 26 (1)(a) of the Law, should they be needed, subject to the limits outlined in that article.
5. approved the transfers from one States fund to another for 2024 of up to and including the amounts set in Appendix 2 – Summary Table 3 in line with Article 9(2)(b) of the Law, except that –

1. in Summary Table 3, the transfers in the last two rows of the table should be replaced as follows –

2. a new line should be inserted in Summary Table 3 to include a transfer of £75,000 from the Health Insurance Fund to the Consolidated Fund to allocate funds to extend the Free GP visits for Children and Young People Scheme to all full-time students, including students in full-time education undertaking Higher Education at Highlands College, Colleges, and Universities in the UK or abroad;

6. approved a transfer from the Consolidated Fund to the Stabilisation Fund in 2024 of up to £25 million, subject to a decision of the Minister for Treasury and Resources based on the availability of funds in the Consolidated Fund as at 31st December 2023 in excess of the estimates provided in this plan, or from budgeted underspends identified before 31st December 2024;
7. approved a transfer from the Consolidated Fund to the Agricultural Loans Fund in 2024 of up to £10 million, subject to a decision of the Minister for Treasury and Resources based on availability of funds in the Consolidated Fund as at 31st December 2023 in excess of estimates provided in this plan, or from budgeted underspends identified before 31st December 2024;
8. approved each major project that was to be started or continued in 2024 and the total cost of each such project and any amendments to the proposed total cost of a major project under a previously approved Government Plan, in line with Article 9(2)(d), (e) and (f) of the Law and as set out in Appendix 2 – Summary Table 4 to the Report;
9. approved the proposed amount to be appropriated from the Consolidated Fund for 2024, for each Head of Expenditure, being gross expenditure less estimated income (if any), in line with Articles 9(2)(g), 10(1) and 10(2) of the Law, and set out in Appendix 2 – Summary Tables 5(i) and (ii) of the Report, except that –

(i)  the Head of Expenditure for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture should be increased by £2,000,000, with decreases to the following Heads of Expenditure –

1. Cabinet Office
2. Customer and Local Services
3. Children, Young People, Education and Skills
4. Infrastructure
5. Environment
6. Health and Community Services
7. Justice and Home Affairs

(viii)  States of Jersey Police

9. Financial Services
10. Ministry of External Relations
11. Treasury and Exchequer

£1,000,000; £22,000; £286,000; £74,000; £18,000; £415,000; £60,000; £47,000; £13,000; £5,000; and £60,000;

2. to accommodate a drop in States income caused by freezing the Impôt Duties for Fuel –

1. the Head of Expenditure for the Central Reserve should be reduced by £1,350,000;
2. the Head of Expenditure for the Cabinet Office should be reduced by £932,000; and
3. the Head of Expenditure for the Economic Development, Tourism, Sport & Culture should be reduced by £418,000; and

3. in Summary Table 5(i) the Head of Expenditure for Customer and Local Services should be increased by £600,000 to enable a non-statutory scheme to be set up to provide financial support to eligible families that included a child with a life-limiting condition, a life- threatening condition, or a complex healthcare need with a decrease of £600,000 to the Central Reserve Head of Expenditure";
4. in Summary Table 5(i) the Head of Expenditure for Health and Community Services should be increased by £75,000 to allocate funds to extend the Free GP visits for Children and Young People Scheme to all full-time students, including students in full-time education undertaking Higher Education at Highlands College, Colleges, and Universities in the UK or abroad;

5. in Summary Table 5(i) the figures in the columns Expenditure and Head of Expenditure for Treasury and Exchequer should each be increased by £20 million in 2024, so as to reinstate the States grant to the Social Security Fund in full;
6. to accommodate a drop in States income caused by reducing the Impôt Duties for Spirits, Wine, Cider and Beer –

(a)  the Head of Expenditure for the Central Reserve should be reduced by £1,033,000;

10. approved the estimated income, being estimated gross income less expenditure, that each States trading operation would pay into its trading fund in 2024 in line with Article 9(2)(h) of the Law and set out in Appendix 2 – Summary Table 6 to the Report;
11. approved the proposed amount to be appropriated from each States trading operation's trading fund for 2024 for each head of expenditure in line with Article 9(2)(i) of the Law and set out in Appendix 2 – Summary Table 7 to the Report;
12. approved the estimated income and expenditure proposals for the Climate Emergency Fund for 2024 as set out in Appendix 2 – Summary Table 8 to the Report;
13. agreed that the Government of Jersey should publish a broader review of alcohol policy and consider what additional support could be provided for the hospitality sector and the Island's small spirits producers;
14. committed to the annual publication of a report, in alignment with the Building a Safer Community Framework, to provide updates on the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Report of the Taskforce on Violence Against Women and Girls and the impact they had had on preventing violence against women and girls and improving gender equality in Jersey, and include the publication of a timeline of the Government of Jersey's work programme on these areas for the following year;
15. agreed that the annual report specified in paragraph (n) must identify how measures outlined in the relevant Government Plan apply to improving gender equality in Jersey, with a focus on establishing an intersectional approach to all future strategies and other work by the Government of Jersey to address Violence Against Women and Girls, as outlined in Recommendation 2 of the report by the Taskforce on Violence Against Women and Girls; and
16. approved, in accordance with Article 9(1) of the Law, the Government Plan 2024-2027, as set out at Appendix 3 to the Report, except that –

1. in the section "Improving access to housing" on page 9 there should be inserted a fifth bullet point with the words "We will develop a scheme to encourage and incentivise right-sizing, to be presented to the States Assembly before 31st May 2024, with the financial implications forming part of the Government Plan 2025-2028";
2. on Page 10, after the words "£3m on an ongoing basis." there should be inserted the following, "The funding provided for the public health function is predicated upon a freeze on any recruitment within the service, excluding legally required positions, whether due to increases in staff numbers or fulfilment of vacancies, until a full business case for the public health function has been produced, scrutinised, and approved by the States Employment Board.";
3. on Page 10, after the words "especially our most vulnerable, can thrive." should be inserted a new bullet point –

 "We will review feasibility options for expanding Early Years nursery provision and childcare support to benefit all children in Jersey from nine months to three years old, with a report detailing any action plan from the Government to be presented to the States Assembly before 1st September 2024, and any financial implications forming part of the Government Plan 2025-2028.";

4. on page 57 after Table 16, there should be inserted the following new paragraph –

"In accordance with the recommendations of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, as set out in S.R.20/2022 a report published alongside the annual report and accounts will –

2. include a report on all Value for Money savings which were made during the duration of the previous Government Plan; and
3. identify and provide full details of the monitoring process that has been undertaken on the Value for Money programme during the duration of the previous Government Plan."

5. on Page 66, after the words "urgency and readiness of projects in year." there should be inserted the following new paragraph –

"The funding of at least of £4.705 million (approved in the Government Plan 2020-2023 and Government Plan 2021-2024) for the Le Rocquier School and Community Sports Facilities will be reviewed with the intent that the project is reprioritised, in order to improve access to sports facilities in the East of the Island.";

6. under the sub-heading "Health Insurance Fund" on page 87 there should be inserted the words "Additional funding of up to £1 million per year will be allocated to support the provision of hosiery dressings and wound dressings to those with a clinical need. The new scheme will be set up as soon as practicable and will provide products at no cost to the end user." and Table 44 on page 87 updated accordingly, to reflect the increased expenditure forecast.";
7. on page 90 after the words "benefits for many years to come." there should be inserted a new paragraph as follows –

"Funds have been allocated for 2024 to enable a non-statutory scheme to be set up to provide financial support to eligible families that include a child with a life-limiting condition, a life- threatening condition, or a complex healthcare need. During 2024 the Government will bring forward legislation in provide for a permanent scheme for future years;

(viii) on Page 93, after the words "that could deliver the additional funding required.", there

should be inserted the following words –

"This will include investigation of the introduction of an appropriate carbon tax or charge relating to the operation of private aircraft."; and

(ix) on page 112, under the subheading New Rules for Pensions the words "£10,000" should be substituted with "£15,000".

Members present voted as follows –

POUR: 33  CONTRE: 13  ABSTAIN: 0

Connétable of St. Helier Deputy G.P. Southern Connétable of St. Brelade Deputy M. Tadier Connétable of Trinity Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat

Connétable of St. Peter Connétable of St. Martin Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Saviour Deputy C.F. Labey Deputy S.G. Luce

Deputy L.M.C. Doublet Deputy K.F. Morel

Deputy S.M. Ahier Deputy I. Gardiner Deputy I.J. Gorst

Deputy K.L. Moore Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache Deputy D.J. Warr

Deputy H.M. Miles Deputy M.R. Scott Deputy J. Renouf

Deputy R.E. Binet

Deputy H.L. Jeune Deputy M.E. Millar Deputy A. Howell

Deputy T.J.A. Binet Deputy M.R. Ferey Deputy A.F. Curtis Deputy B. Ward

Deputy K.M. Wilson Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson

Deputy R.J. Ward

Deputy C.S. Alves

Deputy L.J. Farnham Deputy S.Y. Mézec

Deputy T.A. Coles

Deputy B.B.de S.V.M. Porée Deputy C.D . Curtis

Deputy L.V. Feltham Deputy R.S. Kovacs

Deputy M.B. Andrews

Changes in Presidency

The Bailiff retired briefly from the Chamber during consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers entitled Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027' (P.72/2023) and the meeting continued under the Presidency of Mr. William John Charles Millow , Deputy Greffier of the States, until the Bailiff 's return.

Draft Finance (2024 Budget) (Jersey) Law 202- P.91/2023

THE STATES commenced consideration of the Draft Finance (2024 Budget) (Jersey) Law 202- and adopted the principles.

THE STATES, noting that in accordance with Standing Order 72(10) the draft Law could not be referred to any scrutiny panel, commenced consideration of Articles 1 to 44 and, adopting an amendment of Deputy Thomas Antony Coles of St. Helier South (P.91/2023 Amd.(2)), agreed that, in Article 25, in sub- paragraph (b) in the substituted paragraph (3) for "£10,000" there should be substituted "£15,000".

THE STATES resumed consideration of Articles 1 to 44, as amended, and adopting an amendment of the Minister for Treasury and Resources (P.91/2023 Amd.(5)), agreed that –

in Article 31 –

1. in sub-paragraph (a) for "£23.71" there should be substituted "£22.75"; and
2. in sub-paragraph (b) for "£47.37" there should be substituted "£45.46";

in Article 32, for the substituted table, there should be substituted –

in Article 33 –

1. in sub-paragraph (a) –

1. in clause (i) for "£19.24" there should be substituted "£18.47";
2. in clause (ii) for "£38.46" there should be substituted "£36.91";
3. in clause (iii) for "£71.59" there should be substituted "£68.70".

2. in sub-paragraph (b) –

1. in clause (i) for "£38.46" there should be substituted "£36.91";
2. in clause (ii) for "£76.93" there should be substituted "£73.82";
3. in clause (iii) for "£143.17" there should be substituted "£137.39";

in Article 34 –

1. in sub-paragraph (a) –

1. in clause (i) for "£19.24" there should be substituted "£18.47";
2. in clause (ii) for "£38.46" there should be substituted "£36.91";
3. in clause (iii) for "£71.59" there should be substituted "£68.70".

2. in sub-paragraph (b) –

1. in clause (i) for "£38.46" there should be substituted "£36.91";
2. in clause (ii) for "£76.93" there should be substituted "£73.82";
3. in clause (iii) for "£143.17" there should be substituted "£137.39"; and

in Article 35, for "£47.37" there should be substituted "£45.46".

THE STATES, resuming consideration of Articles 1 to 44, as amended, commenced consideration of an amendment of the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel (P.91/2023 Amd.(4)), and, adopting an amendment of the Minister for Treasury and Resources (P.91/2023 Amd.(4)Amd.) agreed that, in the substituted table, in entry (d) (hydrotreated vegetable oil) for "61.85" there should be substituted "54.89".

THE STATES, adopting the amendment of the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, as amended,  agreed  that,  in  Article  37,  in  paragraph  (2)(a)  for  the  substituted  table  there  should  be substituted –

THE STATES adopted Articles 1 to 44, as amended.

The Minister for Treasury and Resources did not propose Article 45, which dealt with amendments to Schedule 6 regarding zero-rated supplies.

THE STATES adopted Articles 46 to 59.

THE STATES, subject to the sanction of His Most Excellent Majesty in Council, adopted a Law entitled the Finance (2024 Budget) (Jersey) Law 202-.

Members present voted as follows –

POUR: 45  CONTRE: 0  ABSTAIN: 0

Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Peter Connétable of St. Martin Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Saviour Deputy G.P. Southern Deputy C.F. Labey

Deputy M. Tadier

Deputy S.G. Luce

Deputy L.M.C. Doublet Deputy K.F. Morel

Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat Deputy S.M. Ahier

Deputy R.J. Ward

Deputy C.S. Alves

Deputy I. Gardiner

Deputy I.J. Gorst

Deputy L.J. Farnham Deputy K.L. Moore

Deputy S.Y. Mézec

Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache Deputy T.A. Coles

Deputy B.B.de S.V.M. Porée Deputy D.J. Warr

Deputy H.M. Miles Deputy M.R. Scott Deputy J. Renouf

Deputy C.D . Curtis Deputy L.V. Feltham Deputy H.L. Jeune Deputy M.E. Millar Deputy A. Howell Deputy T.J.A. Binet Deputy M.R. Ferey Deputy R.S. Kovacs Deputy A.F. Curtis Deputy B. Ward

Deputy K.M. Wilson Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson Deputy M.B. Andrews

THE STATES, in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 80A, made an Act under Article 12 of the Public Finances (Jersey) Law 2019, declaring that the taxation draft entitled the Finance (2024 Budget) (Jersey) Law 202- (lodged au Greffe on 31st October 2023 by the Minister for Treasury and Resources (P.91/2023) and adopted this day, as amended, in Third Reading by the States) had immediate effect as if that draft had been confirmed by His Majesty in Council and registered in the Royal Court on the date of the making of this Act

Arrangement of public business for future meetings

THE STATES agreed the following arrangement of public business for future meetings proposed, as amended, by the Chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 88(3) –

16th January 2024

Ethical Standards – States Members.  P.75/2023. Lodged: 26th September 2023, Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade .

Ethical Standards – States Members (P.75/2023): comments.  P.75/2023. Presented: 10th October 2023, Privileges and Procedures Committee.  Com.

Draft Planning and Building (Amendment No. 8) (Repeal) (Jersey) Law 202-.  P.90/2023. Lodged: 31st October 2023, Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache of St. Clement .

Amendment to Standing Orders – Political Awareness and Education Privileges and P.92/2023. Procedures Sub-Committee.

Lodged: 1st November 2023, Privileges and Procedures Committee.

Appointment  of  Non-Executive  Directors  and  new  Chair  to  the  States  of  Jersey P.95/2023. Development Company.  (re-issue). Lodged: 10th November 2023, Minister for Treasury and Resources.

Draft Crime (Public Order) (Jersey) Law 202-.  P.97/2023. Lodged: 22nd November 2023, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs.  (re-issue). Protection of Trees. P.98/2023. Lodged: 27th November 2023, Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade .

Draft Cold Weather Bonus and Payments (Amendment – Extension of Eligibility) P.99/2023. (Jersey) Regulations 202-.

Lodged: 1st December 2023, Minister for Social Security.

Draft Employment (Amendment No.15) (Jersey) Law 202-. P.100/2023. Lodged: 1st December 2023, Minister for Social Security.

Amendment to Standing Orders – Roll of Elected Members.  P.101/2023. Lodged: 5th December 2023, Privileges and Procedures Committee.

Requirement for Seconder at Time of Lodging a Proposition. P.102/2023. Lodged: 14th December 2023, Deputy M.R. Ferey of St. Saviour

Maximum Employment Probation Periods P.103/2023. Lodged: 14th December 2023, Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North

6th February 2024 19th March 2024

Offshore Wind.  P.82/2023. Lodged: 17th October 2023, Council of Ministers.

Scrutiny Panel constitution: Minimum size. P.94/2023. Lodged: 7th November 2023, Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North .

Compliments of the season

The Bailiff exchanged compliments of the season with all Members, represented by the Connétable of St. Helier on behalf of the Connétable s and Deputy Geoffrey Peter Southern of St. Helier Central on behalf of the Deputies.

THE STATES rose at 4.53 p.m.

L.-M. HART Greffier of the States