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States Minutes 25 November 2024

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THE STATES assembled on Monday 25th November 2024, at 2.15 p.m. under the Presidency of the Deputy Bailiff , Robert James MacRae , Esquire.

 __________________

His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Vice-Admiral Jeremy Paul Kyd, C.B.E. was present.  __________________

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

Connétable Alan Simon Crowcroft of St. Helier – excused attendance

Connétable Deidre Wendy Mezbourian of St. Lawrence – ill

Deputy Carolyn Fiona Labey of Grouville and St. Martin – absent on States business

Deputy Montfort Tadier of St. Brelade – en défaut (défaut raised at 2.25 p.m.)

Deputy Carina Soares Alves of St. Helier Central – excused attendance (arrived in the Chamber at 3.32 p.m.) Deputy David James Warr of St. Helier South – en défaut (défaut raised at 2.25 p.m.)

Deputy Lucy Kate Frances Stephenson of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter – parental responsibilities

 __________________

Prayers read by the Greffier of the States  __________________

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. The following Members attended remotely, either for all or part of the meeting –  

Connétable Richard Anthony Kingston Honeycombe of St. Ouen Deputy Louise Mary Catherine Doublet of St. Saviour

Deputy Catherine Dolores Curtis of St. Helier Central

Deputy Rosemary Esther Binet of Grouville and St. Martin

Subordinate enactments tabled

The following enactments were tabled, namely –

Regulation of Care (2025 Fees) (Jersey) Amendment Order 2024.  R&O.63/2024. Minister for the Environment.

Income Tax Law (Jersey) Amendment Order 2024.  R&O.64/2024. Minister for Treasury and Resources.

Income Tax Law (Jersey) Amendment No. 2 Order 2024.  R&O.65/2024. Minister for Treasury and Resources.

Home Affairs (Fire and Rescue and Petroleum – 2025 Fees) (Jersey) Amendment R&O.66/2024. Order 2024.

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs.

Road Traffic (Speed Limits) (Jersey) Amendment No. 3 Order 2024. R&O.67/2024. Minister for Infrastructure.

Long-Term Care (Benefits) (Jersey) Amendment Order 2024. R&O.68/2024. Minister for Health and Social Services.

Long-Term Care Services (Health and Social Services Charges) (Jersey) Amendment R&O.69/2024. Order 2024.

Minister for Health and Social Services.

States of Jersey (Proper Address for Ministers) Order 2024.  R&O.70/2024. Chief Minister.

Documents presented

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024)   Children's  Rights P.51/2024. Impact Assessment.  Add. Presented: 14th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024) – comments.  P.51/2024. Presented: 21st November 2024, Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny  Com. Panel.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024) – comments.  P.51/2024. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel.  Com.(2).

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024) – comments.  P.51/2024. Presented: 22nd November 2024,  Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny  Com.(3). Panel.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024) – comments. P.51/2024. Presented: 24th November 2024, Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel.  Com.(4).

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024) – amendment. (P.51/2024 P.51/2024. Amd.) – comments.  Amd.Com. Increase Grants to States Funds.

Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  second  amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(2)) – comments.  Amd.(2). West of Island Planning Framework.  Com. Presented: 21st November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  third  amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(3)) – amendment. (P.51/2024 Amd.(3).Amd) – Children's Rights  Amd.(3). Impact Assessment.  Amd.Add. Statistics Jersey Funding.

Presented: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  fourth  amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(4)) – comments.  Amd.(4). Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  fifth  amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(5)) – comments.  Amd.(5). Apprenticeship Support.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  sixth  amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(6)) – comments.  Amd.(6). New Healthcare Facilities Programme expenditure.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): seventh amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(7)) – comments.  Amd.(7). Connect Me Funding.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  eighth  amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(8)) – comments.  Amd.(8). Indexation of alcohol duty.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  ninth  amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(9)) – amendment. (P.51/2024 Amd.(9).Amd) – Children's Rights  Amd.(9). Impact Assessment.  Amd.Add. Pillar 2 Allocations.

Presented: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  tenth  amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(10)) – comments.  Amd.(10). Termination of Pregnancy (Jersey) Law 1997 Amendments workstream.  Com. Presented: 21st November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): eleventh amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(11)) – amendment. (P.51/2024 Amd.(11).Amd) – Children's Rights  Amd.(11). Impact Assessment.  Amd.Add. Vehicle Emissions Duty.

Presented: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  twelfth  amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(12)) – comments.  Amd.(12). Performance Framework.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): thirteenth amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(13)(re-issue)) – comments.  Amd.(13). Impôt Duties – Fuel.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): fourteenth amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(14)(re-issue)) – comments.  Amd.(14). Jersey Cheshire Homes.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): fifteenth amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(15)) – comments.  Amd.(15). Highlands College repairs.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): sixteenth amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(16)) – comments.  Amd.(16). New Office.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): seventeenth amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(17)) – comments.  Amd.(17). Le Squez.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): Eighteenth Amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(18) – amendment (P.51/2024 Amd.(18).Amd.) – Children's Rights  Amd.(18). Impact Assessment.  Amd. Play Strategy.  Add. Presented: 19th November 2024, Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour .

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): Eighteenth Amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024  Amd.(18)   second  amendment.  (P.51/2024  Amd.(18).Amd.(2))   Amd.(18). Children's Rights Impact Assessment. Amd.(2). Add. Play Strategy.

Presented: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): nineteenth amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(19)) – comments.  Amd.(19). Fort Regent Development.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): twentieth amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(20)) – comments.  Amd.(20). Jersey Business and Digital Jersey Savings.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): twenty-first amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(21)) – comments.  Amd.(21). Transform Project.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  twenty-second P.51/2024. amendment. (P.51/2024 Amd.(22)) – comments.  Amd.(22). Digital Services Platform.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): twenty-third amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(23)) – amendment. (P.51/2024 Amd.(23).Amd) – Children's Rights  Amd.(23). Impact Assessment.  Amd.Add. St. Helier 's Neighbourhood Improvement Area programmes.

Presented: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): twenty-fourth amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(24) – amendment (P.51/2024 Amd.(24).Amd) – Children's Rights  Amd.(24). Impact Assessment.  Amd.Add. Presented: 18th November 2024, Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and

Trinity .

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  twenty-fourth P.51/2024. amendment.  (P.51/2024  Amd.(24))   amendment  (P.51/2024  Amd.(24).Amd)   Amd.(24). comments.  Amd. Agricultural Loan restriction.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): twenty-fourth amendment  P.51/2024. (P.51/2024  Amd.(24))   second  amendment.  (P.51/2024  Amd.(24).Amd.(2))   Amd.(24). Children's Rights Impact Assessment.  Amd.(2). Agricultural Loan restriction.  Add. Presented: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): twenty-fifth amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(25)) – amendment. (P.51/2024 Amd.(25).Amd.) – Children's Rights  Amd.(25). Impact Assessment.  Amd. Add. Stamp Duty Exemption.

Presented: 19th November 2024, Deputy P.F.C. Ozouf of St. Saviour .

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): twenty-fifth amendment. P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(25)(re-issue)) – comments.  Amd.(25). Stamp Duty Exemption.  Com. Presented: 22nd November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  twenty-eighth P.51/2024. amendment  (P.51/2024  Amd.(28))   amendment.  (P.51/2024  Amd.(28).Amd.)   Amd.(28). Children's Rights Impact Assessment.  Amd.Add. Removal of stamp duty surcharge on second homes.

Presented: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Support  Scheme  for  Individuals  Qualifying  to  Represent  Jersey  in  Off-Island P.82/2024. Competitions. (P.82/2024) – Children's Rights Impact Assessment.  Add. Lodged: 19th November 2024, Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour .

Elected  Speaker  and   Deputy  Speaker  of  the  States  Assembly:  Selection  and P.83/2024. Appointment. (P.83/2024) – Children's Rights Impact Assessment.  Add. Presented: 19th November 2024, Connétable of St. John .

Provision of Recycling sites in St. Brelade (P.85/2024) – Children's Rights Impact P.85/2024. Assessment.  Add. Presented: 25th November 2024, Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade .

Oversight of Arm's Length Bodies (R.127/2024): executive response.  R.127/2024. Presented: 18th November 2024, Public Accounts Committee.  Res.

Jersey Performance Framework (R.163/2024): Executive Response. R.163/2024. Presented: 21st November 2024, Public Accounts Committee.  Res.

Office  of  the  Financial  Services  Ombudsman:  intended  re-appointment  of  Board R.171/2024. Member.

Presented: 14th November 2024, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development. Jersey Overseas Aid 2023 Annual Report.  R.172/2024. Presented: 14th November 2024, Minister for International Development.

Extension  to  Jersey  of  UK  Membership  of  the  Comprehensive  and  Progressive  R.173/2024. Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Presented: 25th November 2024, Minister for External Relations.

Proposed Budget 2025-28 Review.  S.R.8/2024. Presented: 21st November 2024, Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel.

Notification of lodged propositions

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  third  amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(3)) – amendment.  Amd.(3). Statistics Jersey Funding.  Amd. Lodged: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  ninth  amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(9)) – amendment.  Amd.(9). Pillar 2 Allocations.  Amd. Lodged: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): eleventh amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(11)) – amendment.  Amd.(11). Vehicle Emissions Duty.  Amd. Lodged: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): eighteenth amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(18) – amendment.  Amd.(18). Play Strategy.  Amd. Lodged: 19th November 2024, Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour .

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): eighteenth amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(18) – second amendment.  Amd.(18). Play Strategy.  Amd.(2). Lodged: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): twenty-third amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(23)) – amendment.  Amd.(23). St. Helier 's Neighbourhood Improvement Area programmes.  Amd. Lodged: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): twenty-fourth amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(24) – amendment.  Amd.(24). Lodged: 18th November 2024, Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity .  Amd.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): twenty-fourth amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(24)) – second amendment.  Amd.(24). Agricultural Loan restriction.  Amd.(2). Lodged: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): twenty-fifth amendment P.51/2024. (P.51/2024 Amd.(25)) – amendment.  Amd.(25). Stamp duty exemption.  Amd. Lodged: 19th November 2024, Deputy P.F.C. Ozouf of St. Saviour .

Proposed  Budget  (Government  Plan)  2025-2028  (P.51/2024):  twenty-eighth P.51/2024. amendment (P.51/2024 Amd.(28)) – amendment.  Amd.(28). Removal of stamp duty surcharge on second homes.  Amd. Lodged: 19th November 2024, Council of Ministers.

Draft Finance (2025 Budget) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.72/2024): amendment (P.72/2024) –  P.72/2024. amendment.  Amd.Amd. Lodged: 19th November 2024, Minister for Treasury and Resources.

Draft Finance (2025 Budget) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.72/2024): third amendment.  P.72/2024. Lodged: 19th November 2024, Minister for Treasury and Resources.  Amd.(3).

Jersey Overseas Aid: Appointment of Non-States Commissioner.  P.81/2024. Lodged: 14th November 2024, Minister for International Development.

Support  Scheme  for  Individuals  Qualifying  to  Represent  Jersey  in  Off-Island P.82/2024. Competitions.

Lodged: 19th November 2024, Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour .

Elected  Speaker  and   Deputy  Speaker  of  the  States  Assembly:  Selection  and P.83/2024. Appointment.

Lodged: 19th November 2024, Connétable of St. John .

Comptroller and Auditor General Board of Governance: appointment of Chair and P.84/2024. independent Member.

Lodged: 21st November 2024, Chief Minister.

Provision of Recycling sites in St. Brelade .  P.85/2024. Lodged: 25th November 2024, Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade .

Withdrawal of lodged propositions

THE STATES noted that, in accordance with Standing Order 34(1), the proposers of the following propositions lodged "au Greffe" had informed the Greffier of the States that they had been withdrawn –

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): thirteenth amendment.  P.51/2024. Impôt Duties – Fuel.  Amd.(13). (re- Lodged: 11th November 2024, Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade .  issue).

Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028 (P.51/2024): fifteenth amendment.  P.51/2024. Highlands College repairs.  Amd.(15). Lodged: 11th November 2024, Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel.

Written Questions

(see Official Report/Hansard)

WQ.403/2024  1.  The Minister for Sustainable Economic Development had tabled a revised answer on 11th

November 2024 to a question asked by Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement regarding the Island's ferry tender process.

WQ.410/2024  2.  The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning had tabled an answer on 18th November

2024 to a question asked by Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North regarding the use of mobile phones by students in schools.

WQ.411/2024  3. The Minister for Health and Social Services had tabled an answer on 18th November 2024

to a question asked by Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North regarding the average daily cost of hospital admissions.

WQ.412/2024  4. The Chief Minister had tabled an answer on 18th November 2024 to a question asked by

Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade regarding funding allocated to the Chief Minister's Pilot Project Fund.

WQ.413/2024  5. The Minister for Treasury and Resources had tabled an answer on 18th November 2024 to a

question asked by Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity regarding grants and subsidies provided to third parties and States bodies.

WQ.414/2024  6. H.M. Attorney General had tabled an answer on 18th November 2024 to a question asked by

Deputy A.F. Curtis of St. Clement regarding potential offences under the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002.

WQ.415/2024  7. The Minister for Housing had tabled an answer on 18th November 2024 to a question asked

by Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South regarding the future of the Haut du Mont site.

Oral Questions

(see Official Report/Hansard)

OQ.226/2024  1.   Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade asked a question of the Chief Minister regarding the decision-

making process for the appointment of a new ferry operator.

OQ.232/2024  2.   Deputy P.F.C. Ozouf of St. Saviour asked a question of the Minister for External Relations

regarding the decision to reduce Government funding for Jersey Finance from 2025. OQ.230/2024  3.   Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade asked a question of the Minister for Sustainable Economic

Development regarding the safety record of the tendering companies for passenger and freight

ferry services.

OQ.224/2024  4.   Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South asked a question of the Minister for Children and

Families regarding the age of criminal responsibility in Jersey.

OQ.229/2024  5.   Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement asked a question of the Minister for Sustainable

Economic Development regarding merging Digital Jersey with Jersey Business.

OQ.221/2024  6.   Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North asked a question of the Minister for Sustainable

Economic Development regarding the process for choosing a new ferry operator.

OQ.228/2024  7.   Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade asked a question of the Chair of the Privileges and

Procedures Committee regarding the review of the Code of Conduct for Elected States Members.

OQ.223/2024  8.   Deputy M.B. Andrews of St Helier North asked a question of the Minister for Sustainable

Economic Development regarding political discretion in selecting an operator for the original ferry contract.

OQ.233/2024  9.   Deputy P.F.C. Ozouf of St. Saviour asked a question of the Minister for Treasury and

Resources regarding tax revenue received from the cannabis sector.

OQ.222/2024  10.   Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North asked a question of the Chief Minister regarding goals

for diversity, equity and inclusion in 2025.

OQ.225/2024  11.   Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South asked a question of the Minister for Justice and Home

Affairs regarding the quashing of criminal convictions for homosexuality.

OQ.227/2024  12.   Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade asked a question of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding

recycling collection facilities in St. Brelade .

OQ.231/2024  13.   Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade asked a question of the Minister for Sustainable Economic

Development regarding the ferry service tender process.

Oral Questions without notice (see Official Report/Hansard)

The Minister for Infrastructure answered questions without notice from Members. The Minister for Housing answered questions without notice from Members.

The Chief Minister answered questions without notice from Members.

Adjournment

THE STATES adjourned, having agreed to reconvene on Tuesday 26th November 2024 to commence consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers entitled Proposed Budget (Government Plan 2025-2028)' (P.51/2024) and the other outstanding items of public business.

THE STATES rose at 5.18 p.m.

L.-M. HART Greffier of the States