Investigation of re zoning of 7 sites for sheltered housing

1240/5(7416)

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS BY DEPUTY OF GROUVILLE

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 19th FEBRUARY 2013

Question

Further to the re-zoning of 7 sites for sheltered housing in July 2008, and the referral of two constituents with their complaints to the States of Jersey Police that same year, could the Minister inform members of the precise nature and scope of the police investigation that took place into these allegation and, in particular, inform members whether -

1. information was sought, or officers questioned, from the Planning and Environment Department?
2. anyone else was interviewed by the police other than the two constituents who came forward and made statements?
3. was there a full investigation into the statements that were given?

Answer

1. Allegations concerning re-zoning issues were first made by Deputy Labey in 2008 directly to the then Chief Officer. Following an initial view by a DCI, the former Acting Chief Officer wrote to the former Chief Executive of the States in November 2008 indicating that there was an absence of available evidence to commence a criminal investigation. It was suggested that the matter be referred to another body with responsibility for scrutiny of parliamentary affairs to examine the issues. Indeed, the matter was referred by the Chief Minister's Department to the Comptroller and Auditor General who subsequently concluded that he was unable to take the matter further and could find no evidence which supported the allegations. It is understood that the Comptroller and Auditor General reviewed documentation held by the Planning and Environment Department as part of his review.

Protracted communications continued between Deputy Labey and the States of Jersey Police with Deputy Labey claiming to possess evidence supporting allegations of corruption. This was eventually received by the Solicitor General on 18th April 2011 and passed to the States of Jersey Police. The evidence' consisted of three statements prepared in September 2009 from Deputy Labey and two of her constituents.

A police investigation ensued which involved re-interviewing witnesses, identifying and interviewing others who may assist, an examination of e-mail traffic and the examination of documentation in respect of land re-zoning. Officers from the Planning and Environment Department were not interviewed by police.

The investigation has not revealed anything of evidential value to support the allegations, but has revealed that suspicions circulating are without firm foundation and that speculation by individuals has been fuelled by the speculation of others.

2. Two constituents named by Deputy Labey were interviewed and gave witness statements to the States of Jersey Police. In addition, the States of Jersey Police identified a further five individuals who may have been able to assist the investigation. They too were interviewed, made witness statements and provided additional documentation for examination.
3. A full investigation has been conducted by the police based upon all the information obtained. Reports have been provided to HM Solicitor General at the conclusion of the investigation. There is no evidence to support the allegations made.