Corporate Services - Approved Panel Minutes - 12 December 2013

Present

Senator S.C. Ferguson, Chairman Deputy J.G. Reed, Vice-Chairman

Apologies

Connétable D.W. Mezbourian Deputy R.J. Rondel

Absent

In attendance

Mr. M. de la Haye, Greffier of the States [For a time]

Mr. W. Millow , Scrutiny Officer Miss S. McKee , Scrutiny Officer

Ref Back

Agenda matter

Action

27/11/13 Item 2

513/40

1. 2014 Budget

The Panel, recalling that Draft Public Finances (Amendment of Law No.1) (Jersey) Regulations 201- (P.133/2013) had been referred to it under Standing Order 72, considered the matters it would need to address when reviewing the proposition.

The Panel considered correspondence it had received from Deputy E.J. Noel, Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources, in which the Assistant Minister had indicated that the deferral of P.133/2013 could potentially negatively impact on the timetable for borrowing in respect of  the  Housing  Project  and  that  a  special  sitting  of  the  States Assembly might be required. The Panel, with the Greffier of the States in attendance, noted the provisions of Standing Order 5 in respect of additional meetings of the States Assembly.

It  was  ultimately  agreed  to  request  from  Senator  P.F.C.   Ozouf , Minister for Treasury and Resources, confirmation of the timetable for borrowing in respect of the Housing Project in order that clarification could be provided of the implications of not recommencing the debate on P.133/2013 until 21st January 2014. It was also agreed to request confirmation of whether the Council of Ministers would seek a special sitting of the Assembly. The Panel also agreed to advise the Minister that its review would focus on lending, the subject of P.133/2013, and not  borrowing. Draft  correspondence  from  the  Chairman  to  the Minister was approved, which the Scrutiny Officers were requested to circulate amongst the Panel prior to despatch to the Minister.

WM