Costs of the impact of the pandemic on the assembly

WQ.352/2020

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHAIR OF THE PRIVILEGES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE BY DEPUTY K.G. PAMPLIN OF ST. SAVIOUR

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 6th OCTOBER 2020

Question

"Will the Chair provide a breakdown of the costs of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the continued operation of the States Assembly, covering the period from 1st March to 25th September 2020, including –

1. any additional staffing required at the States Greffe;
2. any overtime or sickness absence days incurred by States Greffe staff;
3. technical support from Digital Jersey or any digital broadcasting company to enable remote and hybrid States sittings to take place;
4. any additional technical equipment required to enable remote or hybrid States sittings; and
5. the hiring of Fort Regent?"

Answer

1. There was no additional staffing required at the States Greffe in the time period from 1st March 2020 to 25th September 2020 because of Covid-19.
2. In the period from 1st March 2020 to 25th September 2020 there was:
   1. no overtime paid to States Greffe staff; and
   2. no Covid related absence recorded.
3. Costs incurred in connexion with technical support from companies assisting with the digital broadcasting:
   1. £1,404.78 to Ports of Jersey (for the recording set up at Fort Regent and in the States Chamber); and
   2. £9,567.80 to Delta Production Services (for the hire of equipment, set-up, and staff at Fort Regent);
   3. £2,225.00 to ALX (for the support for Chamber sitting and Members training); and
   4. The assistance received from Digital Jersey to set up and run virtual sittings of the Assembly was not charged for.
4. Costs incurred for technical equipment required to enable remote or hybrid States sittings:
   1. £471.90 to Zoom (Hybrid Meeting Trial);
   2. £127.00 for a monitor for the States Chamber; and
   3. £2,378.79 for 3 laptops for the States Chamber (at a cost of £792.93 each).
5. No direct cost was incurred for the hire of Fort Regent, however (as per section (c) (ii) above) there was £9,567.80 paid to Delta Production Services for associated equipment hire, set up, and staff costs.