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Social Affairs Scrutiny Panel Income Support Sub-Panel
Meeting 1
Date: 21st March 2006 Location: Blampied Room, States Building
Present Deputy F.J. Hill, B.E.M., Chairman Deputy J.A. Martin, Vice Chairman Senator B.E. Shenton Deputy G.P. Southern Deputy S. Pitman | ||
Apologies | ||
Absent | ||
In attendance Deputy D.W. Mezbourian (For a time) Mr. C. Ahier , Scrutiny Officer Mr. W. Millow , Scrutiny Officer | ||
Ref Back | Agenda matter | Action |
| 1. Chairman and Vice-Chairman The Sub-Panel agreed that Deputy F.J. Hill, BEM, would be its Chairman and Deputy J.A. Martin its Vice-Chairman. |
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| 2. Matters Arising The Sub-Panel was requested to pass information received and requests relating to the review through the Scrutiny Office. It was noted that members of the Sub-Panel would inform the Scrutiny Officers if they had not received a relevant document. The Sub-Panel noted that a number of issues concerning Standing Orders of the States of Jersey had become apparent. It noted that these issues represented a matter for discussion by the Chairmen's Committee. The Sub-Panel noted that Scrutiny adverts placed in the Jersey Evening Post were subject to contractual agreements made by the States relating to the format of such adverts. The Sub-Panel was informed that the Chairmen's Committee was in correspondence with Mr. C. Bright, Editor of the Jersey Evening Post. |
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| 3. Relationship between the Sub-Panel and Social Affairs Panel The Sub-Panel noted the provisions for sub-panels under Standing Order 139: establishment of sub-panels. It further noted provisions for sub-panels under Items 4.13 to 4.16 of the Code of Practice. The Sub-Panel noted the initial estimates for budget and manpower allocations to the Income Support Review. It was informed that transcription costs provided the bulk of the budget allocation for Public Hearings. The Sub-Panel agreed that agendas for Sub-Panel meetings, as well as information received in relation to the Income Support review, would be sent to those members of the Social Affairs Scrutiny Panel who were not also members of the Sub-Panel. |
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| 4. Meeting arrangements The Sub-Panel agreed that it would meet on the following dates. The Officers were requested to make the necessary arrangements: 7th April 2006 at 10:30am 24th April 2006 at 9:30am 2nd May 2006 at 2:00pm 15th May 2006 at 2:00pm 30th May 2006 at 2:00pm The Sub-Panel noted that arrangements had been made for the following groups to meet with the Social Affairs Scrutiny Panel. It was agreed that these arrangements would be altered and that each group would be invited in the first instance to meet with the Sub-Panel during its meeting on 7th April 2006: Jersey Childcare Trust Age Concern Citizens Advice Bureau | CA/WM CA/WM |
| 5. Public Hearings The Sub-Panel noted the list of provisional hearing dates. The Sub-Panel noted that Public Hearings would occur in either the Blampied Room or Le Capelain Room. It further noted that Hearings could theoretically be held in other locations and that research into this matter had occurred. The Sub-Panel considered whether it would involve those members of the Social Affairs Scrutiny Panel who were not also members of the Sub-Panel in its Public Hearings. It agreed that a decision on this matter would be deferred pending further advice on the provisions under Standing Orders. |
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| 6. Review Progress The Sub-Panel considered the Progress Update on the Review.
The Sub-Panel noted correspondence received from Senator P.F. Routier, Minister for Social Security, on 9th March 2006, regarding the Terms of Reference for the Income Support Review. The Sub- Panel agreed that correspondence would be sent to the Minister indicating that the Sub-Panel was considering the questions raised in his correspondence. The Sub-Panel noted that it was able to set its own Terms of Reference. It further noted that the first Term of Reference referred explicitly to a stated aim of the Department of Social Security. It agreed that clarification was required as to whether such a reference could legitimately be made.
| CA/WM CA/WM |
The Sub-Panel considered Act A3 of the former Finance and Economics Committee of 16th June 2005 regarding the sum of
money allocated by this Department to mitigate the effect of a Goods and Services Tax (GST) on those on low incomes. The Sub-Panel agreed to write to the Minister for Treasury and
Resources to ask for clarification on this matter. The Sub-Panel CA/WM noted that this information could be put into the Public domain
subsequent to an answer being received from the Minister.
The Sub-Panel considered Act B3 of the former Employment and Social Security Committee of 3rd March 2005 regarding information
received from the Department of Housing. The Sub-Panel agreed to write to the Minister for Social Security to ask for clarification on CA/WM
this matter.
The Sub-Panel noted Act B6 of the former Housing Committee of 11th March 2005 regarding the manner in which people would be
affected by the introduction of an income support system.
c) Welfare Payments
The Sub-Panel considered an article which had appeared in the
Jersey Evening Post on 20th March 2006 relating to welfare payments. It agreed to write to each Connétable to clarify what CA/WM
arrangements were in place regarding people who were asset rich
but cash poor'. It further agreed to notify formally the Comité des Connétable s of this action.
- Data Protection
The Sub-Panel noted that Mrs. E. Martins, Data Protection Commissioner, had advised that, as of 9th March 2006, she had
not been given sight of the Draft Income Support Law. It was further noted that recommendations had been made during the Shadow Scrutiny phase that the Commissioner be consulted as a
matter of course on draft legislation. It agreed to contact the CA/WM Department of Social Security in order to establish what
consultation it had undertaken with the Commissioner.
- Other matters
The Sub-Panel noted that the document Pensions at a Glance (produced by the OECD) would potentially be useful as a source of background information.
The Sub-Panel considered what reference had been made in the States of Jersey Draft Strategic Plan 2006-2011 to the proposed Income Support system
The Sub-Panel noted that requests for information had been made to the Department of Social Security (with a subsequent follow-up request) but that no information had yet been received.
The Sub-Panel considered the provision of the Christmas and Winter Bonuses and the manner in which they would be affected by the implementation of the Income Support system. It was agreed that discussion of this matter would be deferred.
The Sub-Panel considered whether it would like to use an external
adviser during the course of the Income Support review. It was CA/WM advised that protocols were in place for the appointment process.
It was agreed that discussion of this matter would be deferred until
the next meeting.
Signed
Chairman,
Income Support Sub-Panel,
Date ..