Skip to main content

Consolidated Order Paper 17th October 2023

This content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost. Let us know if you find any major problems.

Text in this format is not official and should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments. Please see the PDF for the official version of the document.

STATES OF JERSEY ORDER PAPER

17th OCTOBER 2023 CONSOLIDATED

SUMMARY

9.30 a.m.  Communications by the Presiding Officer and other announcements

Appointments, matters of privilege, petitions (if any)

Nomination of Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour as an elected member of the Public Accounts Committee.

Approx. 9.40 a.m.  Oral questions with notice Up to 2 hours 20

minutes

Urgent questions (if any)

Up to 45 minutes,  Oral questions without notice:

divided between the  Minister for Justice and Home Affairs three Ministers  Minister for Housing and Communities

Chief Minister

Statements

The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture will make a statement regarding the Future Economy Programme.

The  Minister  for  the  Environment  will  make  a  statement regarding offshore wind power.

Approx. 2.15 p.m.  Reporting of headcount and vacancies. (P.69/2023).

Reporting  of  headcount  and  vacancies  (P.69/2023):  amendment. (P.69/2023 Amd.).

Reporting  of  headcount  and  vacancies  (P.69/2023):  second amendment. (P.69/2023 Amd.(2)).

Audit of Government Department Vacancies. (P.73/2023). Arrangement of public business at subsequent meetings

Lunch adjournment likely around 12.45 p.m. until 2.15 p.m.

If business is not completed by around 5.30 p.m. the Assembly usually adjourns for the evening and will resume its meeting at 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th and Friday 20th October 2023 if necessary.

STATES OF JERSEY ORDER PAPER

17th OCTOBER 2023 CONSOLIDATED

  1. COMMUNICATIONS BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER
  2. TABLING OF SUBORDINATE ENACTMENTS

(Explanatory note attached)

Road Traffic (Traffic Signs – St. Helier ) (Jersey) Order 2023.  R&O.85/2023. Minister for Infrastructure.

Road Traffic (Speed Limits) (Amendment No.16) (Jersey) Order 2023.  R&O.86/2023. Minister for Infrastructure.

Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture (2024 Fees) (Jersey)  R&O.87/2023. Order 2023.

Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture.

  1. DOCUMENTS PRESENTED

* Audit of Government Department Vacancies. (P.73/2023): comments.  P.73/2023. Presented: 13th October 2023, Chief Minister.  Com.

* Incommencrease ts.in revenue expenditure for agriculture and fisheries (P.74/2023): P.74/2023Com.. Presented: 13th October 2023, Council of Ministers.

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

Review of Health and Community Services Leadership and Management R.148/2023. Capacity.

Presented: 6th October 2023, Minister for Health and Social Services.

Notice under Article 29A(3) of the States of Jersey Law 2005: Minister for R.149/2023. Energy and Environment.

Presented: 6th October 2023, Chief Minister.

Handling and Learning from Complaints – Follow up.  R.150/2023. Presented: 9th October 2023, Comptroller and Auditor General.

Empty Homes Service Update.  R.151/2023. Presented: 12th October 2023, Minister for Housing and Communities.

States of Jersey Law 2005: delegation of functions – Minister for Justice and R.152/2023. Home Affairs – multiple delegations.

Presented: 12th October 2023, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs.

* Annual Reporting.  R.153/2023. Presented: 16th October 2023, Comptroller and Auditor General.

* AnnPresented:ual Reporting 16th Octob Good Praer 2023,ctice CompGuidtrollee. r and Auditor General.  R.154/2023.

* Notice Under Article 29a(3) of the States of Jersey Law 2005: Minister for R.155/2023. Sustainable Economic Development.

Presented: 16th October 2023, Chief Minister.

* AnnEmissionual  Report s RepublandicationAcc.ounts  2022   Sustainability  Report  Addendum   R.156/2023. Presented: 16th October 2023, Minister for Treasury and Resources.

* States MePresented:mbers' re 16th Octobmuner 2era023,tion Privileges areviewer: determnd Proinceduration.es Committee.  R.157/2023. Review of Income Support Benefit Overpayments.  S.R.1/2023.

Presented: 9th October 2023, Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel.

Review of Work Permit Holder welfare.  S.R.2/2023. Presented: 12th October 2023, Work Permit Holder Welfare Review Panel.

  1. NOTIFICATION OF LODGED PROPOSITIONS

Reporting of headcount and vacancies (P.69/2023): amendment.  P.69/2023. Lodged: 6th October 2023, Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North .  Amd.

Reporting of headcount and vacancies (P.69/2023): second amendment.  P.69/2023. Lodged: 10th October 2023, Chief Minister.  Amd.(2).

Increase in revenue expenditure for agriculture and fisheries. (P.74/2023): P.74/2023. amendment.  Amd. Lodged: 10th October 2023, Deputy S.G. Luce of Grouville and St. Martin .

* Draft  Financial  Services  (Disclosure  and  Provision  of  Information) P.79/2023. (Amendment) (Jersey) Regulations 202-.

Lodged: 13th October 2023, Chief Minister.

* Draft LimitedRegulations 202 Partn-. erships (Annual Addition Charge) (Amendment) (Jersey) P.80/2023. Lodged: 13th October 2023, Chief Minister.

* Draft ChLodged: 16ildreth Octobn (Coner 2venti023,on RigMinister fohts) (Comr Chimenceldren amentnd Ed) (Jersey) Aucationct. 202-.  P.81/2023.

  1. WITHDRAWAL OF LODGED PROPOSITIONS
  2. APPOINTMENT OF MINISTERS, COMMITTEES AND PANELS

Nomination of Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour as an elected member of the Public Accounts Committee.

  1. MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE
  2. PETITIONS
  3. QUESTIONS
  1. Written Questions

(see attached)

WQ.367/2023  1. The Chair of the States Employment Board tabled an answer on 9th October 2023 to a

question asked by Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade regarding guidelines and training materials for public employees regarding interpretation of the Codes of Practice.

WQ.368/2023  2. The Minister for Health and Social Services tabled an answer on 9th October 2023 to a

question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier Central regarding further detail on the changes that will be needed to pay for health costs as referred to on Page 88 of the Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027.

WQ.369/2023  3. The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture tabled an answer on

9th October 2023 to a question asked by Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour regarding grants and subsidies offered by the Government.

WQ.370/2023  4. The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs tabled an answer on 9th October 2023 to a question

asked by Deputy B.B. de S.V.M. Porée of St. Helier South regarding the process within the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service when a work permit holder's date of departure from the Island is either changed or overturned.

WQ.371/2023  5. The Minister for Treasury and Resources tabled an answer on 9th October 2023 to a question

asked by Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central regarding growth bids in the proposed Government Plan 2024-2027.

WQ.372/2023  6. The Minister for the Environment tabled an answer on 9th October 2023 to a question asked

by the Connétable of St. Lawrence regarding the processes and decision-making of the Planning and Building Compliance team in relation to two situations in St. Lawrence.

WQ* .373/2023  7. Thby e thMine Conister nétable for InoffrastructuSt. Martire n tabledregardaninganswer Further onLi16thsted OctobInfrastructuer 2023 re toProajectsquestion' identifaskedied

in the draft Government Plan 2024-2027.

WQ.374/2023  8. The Minister for Treasury and Resources tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question

* asked by Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North regarding Jersey Development Company's current debt liability.

WQ.375/2023  9. The Minister for Infrastructure tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question asked

* by Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North regarding budget allocated to maintain the Government of Jersey's estate.

WQ.376/2023  10. The Minister for Social Security tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question asked

* by Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North regarding the Back to Work team and the unemployed.

WQ.377/2023  11. The Chief Minister tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question asked by Deputy

* S.Y. Mézec  of St. Helier South regarding the cost of attending the Women Deliver' conference in Rwanda.

WQ.378/2023  12. The Chief Minister tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question asked by Deputy

* S.Y. Mézec of St. Helier South regarding a register of all units of dwelling accommodation. WQ.379/2023  13. The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture tabled an answer on

* 16th October 2023 to a question asked by Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade regarding the cost benefit analysis and economic impact assessments of certain organisations funded by the

Department for the Economy.

WQ.380/2023 14. The Minister for Treasury and Resources tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question

* asked by Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade regarding the cost benefit analysis commissioned of certain organisations.

WQ* .381/2023  by Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade regarding solutions to counter the spread of Asian hornet

15.  The Minister for the Environment tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question asked populations.

WQ.383/2023  16. The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a

* question asked by Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central regarding the rehabilitation programs and wellbeing support that is currently available for inmates of H.M. Prison La

Moye.

WQ.384/2023  17. The Minister for Housing and Communities tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a

* question asked by Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central regarding turnaround times for homes on the Housing Gateway when they are vacated.

WQ.385/2023  18. The Minister for Health and Social Services tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a

* question asked by Deputy A. Howell of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity regarding the number of personnel employed Pre-COVID and currently.

WQ.386/2023  19. The Minister for Health and Social Services tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a

* question asked by Deputy A. Howell of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity regarding the Island's vaccination programme prior to the Covid-19 epidemic.

WQ.387/2023  20. The Minister for Infrastructure tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question asked

* by Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central regarding the proposed completion date for awarding the contract to run Jersey's public bus service.

WQ.388/2023  21. The Minister for Social Security tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question asked

* by Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central regarding the amount of underspend from the Social Security Department that has been returned to Central Government.

WQ.389/2023  22. The Chief Minister tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question asked by Deputy

* R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central regarding roles based in the Government Broad Street office. WQ.390/2023  23. The Chief Minister tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question asked by Deputy M.

* Tadier of St. Brelade regarding the inquiries into the explosion at Haut du Mont and the Collision of L'Ecume II.

WQ.391/2023  24. The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture tabled an answer on

* 16th October 2023 to a question asked by Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade regarding the closure of the in person' Visitor Information Centre at Liberation Station.

WQ* .392/2023  25. Thasked eMinbyister Depufor ty TreasuryL.V. FelathndamResourof St. cesHelier tabledCentraan answer l regardon in16gthcurrenOctobt er tax 20all23owanto aqucesestionand

reliefs available to individuals and businesses.

WQ.393/2023  26. The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a

* question asked by Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade regarding homes and businesses across the Island being left without gas.

WQ.394/2023  27. The Minister for Treasury and Resources tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to a question

* asked by Deputy B. Ward of St. Clement regarding the issues around the taxability of old- age-pension income.

  1. Oral Questions (2 hours 20 minutes)

OQ.201/2023 1.   Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade will ask the following question of the Minister for Treasury

and Resources –

"Will the Minister advise whether he has received and accepted any invitation to participate in discussions regarding an increase in the rate of corporate income tax in the Crown Dependencies; if so, has he participated and what themes were discussed; and if he has not accepted an invitation, why not?"

OQ.197/2023 2.   Deputy A. Howell of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity will ask the following question of

the Minister for Health and Social Services –

"Will the Minister state the number of management positions in the General Hospital in 2016 and the associated costs of this management team?"

OQ.198/2023 3.   Deputy L.J. Farnham of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter will ask the following question of

the Minister for Treasury and Resources –

"Will the Minister provide a breakdown of the £52 million funding requested for the new Healthcare Facilities, as detailed in the proposed Government Plan 2024-2027?"

OQ.210/2023 4.   Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier Central will ask the following question of the Minister

for Health and Social Services –

"Will the Minister provide a split of the figures detailed in the Health and Community Services Net Revenue Expenditure within the draft Government Plan 2024-2027 between Hospital and Community services, and will she commit to providing a further breakdown of this information to Members before 31st October, detailing all medical specialisms?"

OQ.202/2023 5.   Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central will ask the following question of the Minister for

Treasury and Resources –

"Will the Minister explain why, when Islanders overpay their tax, it is shown as NIL on their tax assessment notices instead of the amount that has been overpaid?"

OQ.200/2023 6.   Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central will ask the following question of the Minister for

Treasury and Resources –

"Will the Minister explain why the word fair' is omitted in his foreword to the 2022 States of Jersey Annual Report and Accounts, when referring to how the Government must remain consistent with its approach to taxes, when Fair and sustainable' remains a tax policy principle included in the draft Government Plan 2024-2027?"

OQ.207/2023 7.   Deputy S.Y. Mézec of St. Helier South will ask the following question of the Minister for

Justice and Home Affairs –

"Given the Carbon Neutral Roadmap aim to transition customers away from gas, will the Minister state what consideration, if any, the Government is giving to the future provision of gas for homes and businesses by a private company?"

OQ.195/2023 8.   Deputy M.B. Andrews of St Helier North will ask the following question of the Minister for

Infrastructure –

"Will the Minister advise what consideration, if any, has recently been given to selling properties or land, owned by the States of Jersey"

OQ.209/2023 9.   Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South will ask the following question of the Minister for

Justice and Home Affairs –

"Will the Minister advise what assurances, if any, she has received from Island Energy that the recent disruption to the gas supply will not happen again during the winter months?"

OQ.204/2023 10.   Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central will ask the following question of the Chair of the

States Employment Board –

"Will the Chair advise what additional pay offers, if any, have been considered to end the dispute with Jersey's teaching staff; and what negotiations, if any, have taken place to discuss either such an additional offer or the lack of one?"

OQ.196/2023 11.   Deputy C.D . Curtis of St. Helier Central will ask the following question of the Minister for

Justice and Home Affairs –

"Given the public criticism of the Government response to the recent gas outage, will the Minister advise what consideration, if any, was given to the Government developing a plan to inform and support affected households and businesses; and if this was not considered, why not?"

OQ.208/2023 12.   Deputy S.Y. Mézec of St. Helier South will ask the following question of the Minister for

Housing and Communities –

"Will the Minister bring forward legislation to define homelessness, and will this legislation include a requirement for the Government to provide housing to those who meet that definition, and if not, why not?"

OQ.199/2023 13.   Deputy L.J. Farnham of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter will ask the following question of

the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture –

"Will the Minister confirm if the ten-year operating agreement with Condor Ferries is still scheduled to expire in 2025 and, if it is, will the Minister update Members on what arrangements are in place to maintain our sea links moving forward?"

OQ.211/2023 14.   Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier Central will ask the following question of the Minister

for Health and Social Services –

"As the delivery of Health Services in 2024 will be shaped by the options outlined on page 96 of the draft Government Plan 2024-2027, will the Minister assure Members that she will release additional information in time for the lodging of amendments, to allow for examination of the spending and policies involved in those options; and if not, why not?"

OQ.203/2023 15.   Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central will ask the following question of the Minister for

Health and Social Services –

"Will the Minister state the weekly number of non-emergency visits to the Accident and Emergency department by persons aged under 18 during normal working hours from 1st August to 1st October this year, and how these compare to the same time last year?"

OQ.205/2023 16.   Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central will ask the following question of the Minister for

Children and Education –

"Will the Minister advise how much is put aside for teacher pay rises within the draft Government Plan 2024-2027, and how this relates to the £2.4 million value for money savings' listed for her department on page 57 of the Plan?"

  1. – Questions to Ministers without notice (45 minutes)

1st question period – Minister for Justice and Home Affairs 2nd question period – Minister for Housing and Communities 3rd question period – Chief Minister

  1. PERSONAL STATEMENTS
  2. STATEMENTS ON A MATTER OF OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture will make a statement regarding the Future Economy Programme.

The Minister for the Environment will make a statement regarding offshore wind power.

  1. PUBLIC BUSINESS

Reporting of headcount and vacancies.  P.69/2023. Lodged: 12th September 2023, Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North .

Reporting of headcount and vacancies (P.69/2023): amendment.  P.69/2023. Lodged: 6th October 2023, Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North .  Amd.

Reporting of headcount and vacancies (P.69/2023): second amendment.  P.69/2023. Lodged: 10th October 2023, Chief Minister.  Amd.(2).

Audit of Government Department Vacancies.  P.73/2023. Lodged: 22nd September 2023, Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North .

* Audit of Government Department Vacancies. (P.73/2023): comments.  P.73/2023. Presented: 13th October 2023, Chief Minister.  Com.

  1. ARRANGEMENT OF PUBLIC BUSINESS

7th November 2023

Draft  Public  Health  and  Safety  (Rented  Dwellings)  (Licensing)  (Jersey) P.40/2023. Regulations 202-. (P.40/2023).

Note: The 2nd reading of the Draft Regulations will resume following adoption of the principles on 18th July 2023 and the subsequent referral to the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel under Standing Order 72(1).

Draft  Public  Health  and  Safety  (Rented  Dwellings)  (Licensing)  (Jersey) P.40/2023. Regulations 202-. (P.40/2023): amendment.  Amd. Lodged: 13th September 2023, Minister for the Environment.

Draft Income Tax (Amendment – Stage 2 of Independent Taxation) (Jersey) P.41/2023. Law 202-.

Lodged: 6th June 2023, Minister for Treasury and Resources.

Draft Act declaring that the Income Tax (Amendment – Stage 2 of Independent P.41/2023. Taxation) (Jersey) Law 202- has immediate effect.  Add. Presented: 6th June 2023, Minister for Treasury and Resources.

Draft  Sea  Fisheries  (Vessel  Monitoring  Systems)  (Amendment)  (Jersey) P.68/2023. Regulations 202-.

Lodged: 8th September 2023, Minister for the Environment.

* Increase in revenue expenditure for agriculture and fisheries.  P.74/2023. Lodged: 26th September 2023, Deputy S.G. Luce of Grouville and St. Martin .

* Incommencrease ts.in  revenue  expenditure  for  agriculture  and  fisheries  (P.74/2023): P.74/2023Com.. Presented: 13th October 2023, Council of Ministers.

* Increase in revenue expenditure for agriculture and fisheries. (P.74/2023): P.74/2023. amendment.  Amd. Lodged: 10th October 2023, Deputy S.G. Luce of Grouville and St. Martin .

Reform of the composition of the States Assembly.  P.76/2023. Lodged: 26th September 2023, Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade .

Draft Income Support (Amendment No. 23) (Jersey) Regulations 202-.  P.77/2023. Lodged: 26th September 2023, Minister for Social Security.

28th November 2023

Restrict parking on beach slipways.  P.57/2023. Lodged: 2nd August 2023, Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North .

Draft Planning and Building (Commencement of No. 8 Amendment Law) P.71/2023. (Jersey) Act 202-.

Lodged: 19th September 2023, Minister for the Environment.

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  Financial  Services  (Disclosure  and  Provision  of  Information) P.79/2023. (Amendment) (Jersey) Regulations 202-.

Lodged: 13th October 2023, Chief Minister.

* Draft(Jersey) LimitRegeulad Ptioartnns 2ers02hi-ps (Ann. ual Addition Charge) (Amendment)  P.80/2023. Lodged: 13th October 2023, Chief Minister.

* Draft ChLodged: 16ildrth Octoben (Coer 2nventio023, n RigMinister fohts) (Cor Chimmencldren aemend Ednt) uca(Jersetiony). Act 202-.  P.81/2023.

12th December 2023

Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027.  P.72/2023. Lodged: 19th September 2023, Council of Ministers.

L.-M. HART Greffier of the States

16th October 2023

Note –

In accordance with the meeting dates fixed for 2023 by the Privileges and Procedures Committee, this meeting will continue, if necessary, on Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th and Friday 20th October 2023.

Explanatory Note regarding subordinate legislation tabled at this meeting.

(See Item B) R&O.85/2023.

Road Traffic (Traffic Signs – St. Helier ) (Jersey) Order 2023. Minister for Infrastructure.

This Order provides for a time-limited prohibition on exceeding the speed limit reductions for roads in St. Helier that will be introduced, with effect from 1st November 2023, by the Road Traffic (Speed Limits) (Amendment No. 16) (Jersey) Order 2023. The prohibition arises only if the Minister erects a traffic sign indicating the reduced speed limit.

This Order comes into force 7 days after it is made and is repealed on 1st November 2023. The Order was made on 3rd October 2023 and came into force on 10th October 2023.

R&O.86/2023.

Road Traffic (Speed Limits) (Amendment No. 16) (Jersey) Order 2023. Minister for Infrastructure.

This Order amends the Road Traffic (Speed Limits) (Jersey) Order 2003 (the "2003 Order") by reducing speed limits for roads in St. Helier from 1st November 2023.

Article 2 changes the structure of the entry for St. Helier in Schedule 1 (30 mph speed limit) so that it contains a comprehensive list of all roads with this speed limit. It also removes 50 roads for inclusion in Schedule 2 and 3 roads for inclusion in Schedule 3.

Article 3 adds 50 roads to the entry for St. Helier in Schedule 2 (20 mph speed limit) and changes the structure of one of the entries so that it now contains a comprehensive list of all roads with this speed limit. It also removes one road for inclusion in Schedule 3.

Article 4 adds 4 roads to the entry for St. Helier in Schedule 3 (15 mph speed limit).

Article 5 introduces the Schedule. This contains minor amendments to apply current drafting practice to the 2003 Order.

Article 6 gives the title by which this Order may be cited and provides that it comes into force on 1st November 2023.

The Order was made on 3rd October 2023 and comes into force on 1st November 2023.

R&O.87/2023.

Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture (2024 Fees) (Jersey) Order 2023. Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture.

The Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture (2024 Fees) (Jersey) Order 2023 increases the fees charged under 3 regimes administered by the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture by an average of 2.4%.

Article 1 amends the Places of Refreshment (Registration) (Fees) (Jersey) Order 2008 to increase the fee for an application for registration, or the renewal of registration, of premises as a place of refreshment under Article 4(1) of the Places of Refreshment (Jersey) Law 1967. That fee was last increased with effect from 1st January 2023.

Article 2 amends the Tourism (General Provisions) (Jersey) Order 1990 to increase the fees for the registration, or the renewal of registration, of premises under Article 9(1) of the Tourism (Jersey) Law 1948. Those fees were last increased with effect from 7th October 2022.

Article 3 amends the Weights and Measures (Testing Fees) (Jersey) Order 2003 to increase the fees for testing, weighing or measuring equipment under Article 12 of the Weights and Measures (Jersey) Law 1967. Those fees were last increased with effect from 1st January 2023.

Article 4 gives the title of the Order and states when the provisions come into force. Article 2 and Article 4 come into force on 8th October 2023. Article 1 and Article 3 come into force on 1st January 2024.

The Order was made on 5th October 2023, Articles 2 and 4 came into force on 8th October 2023 and the remaining Articles come into force on 1st January 2024.

WRITTEN QUESTIONS (See Item I(a))

  1. The Chair of the States Employment Board tabled an answer on 9th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade

"Further to the responses provided to both Written Questions 23/2023 and 63/2023, will the Chair provide detail on any guidelines and training materials for public employees regarding interpretation of the Codes of Practice, including the definition of bullying, harassment, conflict of interest and public interest, negligence, breach of confidentiality, engaging in political activities and what constitutes gross misconduct, and advise –

  1. how many employees across the public sector (both as a percentage and in real terms) have received any training in the interpretation of the Codes of Practice;
  2. what work is being undertaken to better align the Codes of Practice with best ethical standards and practice in professional organisations outside the States and Government of Jersey, and if none, why not;
  3. what consideration, if any, is being given to the establishment of a support framework for public employees to provide recourse to an independent third party to offer informal rulings and advice on conduct issues including the definitions on the previous areas; and
  4. what consideration, if any, is being given to making training in ethical conduct compulsory and training repeated during an employee's service within the government organisation?"
  1. The Minister for Health and Social Services tabled an answer on 9th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier Central

"With reference to Page 88 of the Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027, will the Minister provide further detail on the changes that will be needed to pay for health costs in a sustainable way; and will she advise what options for funding, if any, will be considered in 2024 to reform Health Care services for the Island?"

  1. The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture tabled an answer on 9th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour

"Will the Minister provide details of all grants and subsidies offered by the Government, either directly or through any Arm's Length Organisations, charities, or related organisations, to any sporting club, individual, event or activity in the last 15 years, including –

  1. the beneficiary of the funding;
  2. the sport they represented;
  3. what the financial support was intended to fund;
  4. the amount received by each beneficiary and whether it was a grant or subsidy;
  5. the grant or subsidy application and selection process;
  6. where applicable, a list of unsuccessful applications, the reason for rejection and the sport they represented; and

will he further provide a list of the total number of sporting clubs, both professional and amateur, that currently make use of States of Jersey owned venues, including the sport they represent, and how much rent each pay per month to the States?"

  1. The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs tabled an answer on 9th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy B.B. de S.V.M. Porée of St. Helier South

"Will the Minister explain the process within the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service when a work permit holder's date of departure from the Island is either changed or overturned, particularly in terms of altering or removing the physical evidence of the original date from the individual's passport?"

  1. The Minister for Treasury and Resources tabled an answer on 9th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central

"Will the Minister, in respect of the Heads of Expenditure items in the proposed Government Plan 2024-2027 –

  1. outline the process followed by departments to determine which revenue expenditure growth bids to submit to the Council of Ministers for consideration, including decision points involving accountable officers and budget holders;
  2. detail the process followed by the Council of Ministers to determine which revenue expenditure growth bids would be included within the proposed Government Plan, including any decision points involving Ministers;
  3. list all growth bids, budget increases and budget reductions considered by accountable officers and state the outcome of their considerations;
  4. list all growth bids, budget increases and budget reductions considered by Ministers and state the outcome of their considerations; and
  5. list all growth bids, budget increases and budget reductions considered by the Council of Ministers and state the outcome of its considerations?"
  1. The Minister for the Environment tabled an answer on 9th October 2023 to the following question asked by the Connétable of St. Lawrence

"Will the Minister provide information on the processes and decision-making of the Planning and Building Compliance team in relation to two situations in St Lawrence, and explain –

  1. following the refusal of a retrospective application, after a developer had failed to follow approved buildings plans for 17 dwellings, whether there is any way to appeal the Planning and Building Compliance team's decision to take no enforcement action nor to require a new retrospective planning application, and if no such appeal is possible, why; and
  2. despite complaints being made two months ago about a developer proceeding with building houses using plans without details of site levels or means of surface water drainage, which has led to flooding on neighbouring properties, and seemingly contravening the requirements of the building permit in terms of using spoil to raise the land around completed floor slabs, why no action has yet been taken by the Planning and Building Compliance team?"
  1. The Minister for Infrastructure tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by the Connétable of St. Martin

"With reference to the Further Listed Infrastructure Projects' identified in the draft Government Plan 2024-2027, will the Minister outline the projected spend on the following projects –

  1. Road Safety;
  2. Countryside Access and Signage;
  1. Planning Obligation Agreements; and

will the Minister also provide a breakdown of the projected under-spend, if any, on countryside projects, the income from car park trading urns, and the income from third-party planning applications for developments, and identify how these areas of funding will be used to fund the projects in (a), (b) and (c) above?"

  1. The Minister for Treasury and Resources tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North

"Will the Minister advise Jersey Development Company's current debt liability, if any?"

  1. The Minister for Infrastructure tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North

"Will the Minister advise the budget allocated to maintain the Government of Jersey's estate for the last five years, per annum?"

  1. The Minister for Social Security tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North

"Will the Minister provide information on the number of –

  1. officers employed in the Back to Work team; and
  2. individuals registered as unemployed who are seeking work?"
  1. The Chief Minister tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy S.Y. Mézec of St. Helier South

"Will the Chief Minister provide a breakdown of the full costs of attendance at the Women Deliver' conference in Rwanda this year, for herself and the Government of Jersey's delegation, including the costs of –

  1. flights;
  2. accommodation; and
  3. travel in Rwanda?"
  1. The Chief Minister tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy S.Y. Mézec of St. Helier South

"Will the Chief Minister confirm –

  1. whether or not she maintains a register of all units of dwelling accommodation, in accordance with article 16(1) of the Control of Housing and Work Law;
  2. how a member of the public may inspect this register, in accordance with article 16(2) of that Law; and
  3. if she is not complying with this Law, why not, and when she will be addressing this?"
  1. The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade

"Will the Minister provide the date and details of every cost benefit analysis and economic impact assessment commissioned or conducted over the last ten years, including a copy of each report or assessment, in respect of the following organisations funded by the Department for the Economy –

  1. Jersey Business;
  2. Visit Jersey;
  3. Digital Jersey;
  4. Jersey National Park;
  5. Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority;
  6. CERT.je;
  7. Jersey Sport;
  8. Jersey Reds; and

in the case of Visit Jersey, provide a table illustrating how the funding of Visit Jersey has increased or decreased over the years since its establishment in comparison to the number of hotel beds in the Island over the same time period?"

  1. The Minister for Treasury and Resources tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade

"Will the Minister provide the date and details of every cost benefit analysis commissioned or conducted over the last ten years, including a copy of each report or assessment, in respect of each of the following organisations –

  1. States of Jersey Development Company;
  2. Jersey Finance;
  3. Jersey Business;
  4. Visit Jersey;
  5. Digital Jersey;
  6. Jersey National Park;
  7. Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority;
  8. CERT.je;
  9. Jersey Sport; and
  10. Jersey Reds?"
  1. The Minister for the Environment tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade

"Will the Minister advise whether he, or his department, are aware  of any solution, including biological solutions such as genetic engineering, that has been effective or could be considered as feasible in effectiveness, to counter the spread of Asian hornet populations; and will he further advise what research has been undertaken in this area?"

  1. The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central

"Will the Minister provide an outline of the rehabilitation programs and wellbeing support that is currently available for inmates of H.M. Prison La Moye; and will she provide details on how the success of these programs and support is measured?"

  1. The Minister for Housing and Communities tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central

"Will the Minister provide annual statistics on the turnaround times over the last 3 years for homes provided by Andium and other housing trusts to become available on the Housing Gateway when they are vacated by tenants and not in need of complete refurbishment, broken down by mean, mode, and median average, and the maximum and minimum times?"

  1. The Minister for Health and Social Services tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy A. Howell of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity

"Will the Minister provide the number of personnel employed Pre-COVID and currently under the Medical Officer of Health and/or Director of Public Health, together with a breakdown of staffing costs, all other costs, and organisational charts for each period."

  1. The Minister for Health and Social Services tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy A. Howell of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity

"Will the Minister explain how the Island's vaccination programme was funded prior to the Covid-19 epidemic, including which budget funds were allocated from and a breakdown of the costs of the programme in 2019; and will the Minister further advise out of which budget(s) the vaccination programme was delivered during Covid 19, and provide a breakdown of the costs involved for each of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023?"

  1. The Minister for Infrastructure tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central

"Will the Minister provide information on the proposed completion date for awarding the contract to run Jersey's public bus service?"

  1. The Minister for Social Security tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central

"Will the Minister advise the amount of underspend from the Social Security Department that has been returned to Central Government funds since 2020, if any, broken down by year; and will she advise what the estimated underspend is expected to be this year?"

  1. The Chief Minister tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy R.J. Ward of St. Helier Central

"Will the Minister advise –

  1. the process for employing staff for roles based in the Government Broad Street office; and
  2. whether all roles have been advertised and due consideration given to all candidates, and if not, why not?"
  1. The Chief Minister tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy

M. Tadier of St. Brelade

"Will the Chief Minister state when she anticipates that the inquiries into the explosion at Haut du Mont and the Collision of L'Ecume II will be concluded; and will she advise whether the full reports and findings will be published, and if so, when?"

  1. The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade

"Will the Minister advise –

  1. what assessment has been, or will be, conducted to measure the impact of the closure of the in person' Visitor Information Centre at Liberation Station;
  2. what feedback, if any, has he received on the closure of this facility and to what extent such feedback is supportive or critical of the closure; and
  3. whether he is aware of any other tourist destinations that have closed their own tourist office to follow Jersey's lead, and if so, which ones?"
  1. The Minister for Treasury and Resources tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central

"Will the Minister provide a list of all current tax allowances and reliefs available to individuals and businesses, including the following details –

  1. a description of each allowance/relief;
  2. the purpose of the allowance/relief;
  3. the number of individuals/ businesses claiming the allowance/relief;
  4. the total cost of each allowance/ relief per year over the past ten years;
  5. how the outcomes related to the allowance/relief are measured;
  6. whether the allowance/ relief has been assessed as meeting its intended purpose, if so, when, how, and by whom; and

will he further confirm if the Treasury Department or any other Department maintain any records or data to measure the benefits of the allowance/ relief against its purpose?"

  1. The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade

"Further to the situation this weekend where homes and businesses across the Island were left without gas, will the Minister advise –

  1. how many homes were estimated to have been affected;
  2. how many businesses were estimated to have been impacted;
  3. what was the estimated economic impact on businesses;
  4. whether any compensation be available to residents;
  1. whether businesses be compensated by Jersey Gas or her department for loss of earnings, including any perishable food that had to be disposed of due to the closure of some businesses, and if not, what recourse to compensation would the Minister suggest;
  2. whether she has discussed the situation with other Ministerial colleagues, and if so, when and what was the outcome of such discussions; and
  3. whether Government have a mechanism to impose fines on Jersey Gas, or otherwise hold them to account where necessary, when such a high-level disruption to supply occurs, and if not, why not?"
  1. The Minister for Treasury and Resources tabled an answer on 16th October 2023 to the following question asked by Deputy B. Ward of St. Clement

"Further to his response to Written Question 154/2022, wherein he states that he will review the issues around the taxability of old-age-pension income, will the Minister advise whether any work has been undertaken to investigate these issues, and if it has, what are the outcomes, and if not, when he intends to instigate a review into this matter?"

Explanatory Note regarding the main respondents for items listed under Public Business (Item L)

In accordance with Standing Order 104A, a time limit of 15 minutes applies to speeches made during debate, unless discretion has been exercised to allow for a longer, or shorter, time limit. No time limit applies to either speech made by the proposer.

Discretion is exercised by the Presiding Officer in accordance with guidance issued by the Bailiff , following consultation with the Privileges and Procedures Committee. The current guidance was presented to the States in the report Time Limits on Speeches in Debates: Guidance on the Exercise of Discretion' (R.3/2021). The report states that discretion may be exercised to allow for a longer speech than 15 minutes where the member speaking is designated as the main respondent' to the debate.

The following members have been identified as the main respondents in the debates listed to occur at this meeting –

 

Debate

Main Respondent(s)

Reporting  of  headcount  and  vacancies. (P.69/2023).

Chair of the States Employment Board

Minister for Treasury and Resources

Reporting of headcount and vacancies (P.69/2023): amendment. (P.69/2023 Amd.)

Chair of the States Employment Board

Minister for Treasury and Resources

Reporting of headcount and vacancies (P.69/2023): second amendment. (P.69/2023 Amd.(2))

  Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North

Audit  of  Government  Department  Vacancies. (P.73/2023).

 Chief Minister

 

ORAL QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS WITHOUT NOTICE (See Item I(c))

Questions without notice 2023

7th November

28th November 12th December


Infrastructure

Social Security Children and Education


International Development

Treasury and Resources

Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture


Chief Minister

Chief Minister Chief Minister