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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY T.M. PITMAN OF ST. HELIER ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 4th DECEMBER 2012
Question
How does the Chief Minister justify supporting the purchase of Plémont, at a cost of millions of pounds of taxpayers' money when many within the Island are struggling simply to survive financially and keep their families fed and housed and is he satisfied that the purchase is the correct priority in the current economic climate ?
Answer
I fully appreciate the concerns that some members of the public may have in using taxpayers funds to purchase Plémont, particularly in the present economic climate.
However, the Medium Term Financial Plan sets out a sustainable financial position, with additional monies for health, housing, as well as benefits to support those in need in this difficult economic climate and an investment in getting these Islanders into work. Alongside these vital immediate priorities, I also believe that it is important to ensure that the natural beauty of our Island, and in particular our coastline, is protected for all our future generations.
The solution as presented in the Report and Proposition is that "the costs of the acquisition would be sourced initially from central reserves, but the intention is that the Fund would be reimbursed either from receipts from the States of Jersey Development Company or the proceeds of sale of other land". In this sense, the acquisition of land at Plémont would be funded from other property assets, and without any detriment to services.