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Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel
Record of Meeting
13th January 2016
Present | Deputy S.M. Brée, Chairman Deputy D. Johnson , Vice-Chairman Connétable J.E. Le Maistre Connétable M.J. Paddock |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Mr. M. Orbell, Scrutiny Officer Ms C. Tomlinson, clerk designate, Public Accounts Committee (observing) |
Ref Back | Agenda matter | Action |
| 1. Records of meetings The Minutes of the meetings held on 23rd, 24th and 25th November and 3rd December 2015 were approved and signed. | MO |
Item 3 25.11.15 515/34 | 2. Northern Ferry Route The Panel received an oral update concerning the Comprehensive Service Review (CSR) recently announced by the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture (ED, TS&C). It was understood that this could now begin as soon as February 2016; a separate benchmarking review by the Harbourmaster was believed to be already under way. In the circumstances it was considered inappropriate for the Panel to continue with plans for its own review. However, it was agreed that the Panel should take a close interest in the progress and outcomes of the other reviews in order to hold the Minister to account. The Scrutiny Officer was asked to contact the department to request a copy of the terms of reference for the CSR and to invite the Minister and Harbourmaster to attend the Panel to brief members on the latest situation and expectations for their reviews. The aim would be for this to take place either as part of the Panel's next scheduled meeting (on 27th January 2016) or failing that, on another day of that week. | MO |
Item 4 25.11.15 515/1/1(1) | 3. Work programme The Panel considered a number of possible matters for review in 2016 based on the latest information received from the department. Discussion focused on the following topics: a) Licensing Law ED, TS&C had made rapid progress with the proposed new Licensing Law, and was preparing a consultation exercise based on a final draft to start before the end of January. The Panel agreed to request background information, with the intention of launching a review during the consultation period (which was expected to last 12 weeks). The Panel would then consider the outcomes of the consultation prior to finalising and presenting its report to the States. This should ensure that the | MO |
| department could take the Panel's report and recommendations into account before preparing law drafting instructions.
It was understood that a new draft policy was quite well advanced and could be ready for review sooner than expected. Members agreed that subject to confirmation about timings from the department, the Panel should aim to begin a review of the policy to follow the review of the Licensing Law. It was considered that this would be a significant piece of work and could involve a need for some expert advice, for example concerning comparisons of legislation and levels of subsidy in the EU and elsewhere. However, it was felt that this could be dealt with as and when required, rather than appointing an adviser for the entire review. The Connétable of Grouville drew attention to his potential conflict of interests regarding the RES. Members were reminded that when this matter was previously discussed in 2015, it was agreed that the Connétable 's knowledge and experience of the system would greatly benefit a review. The risk of perceived conflict could be avoided if he attended Panel meetings and discussions about the strategy wherever possible, but did not participate in decision-making on associated matters. It was noted that it might be appropriate to consider inviting a representative from the Environment Scrutiny Panel to join in a review of the RES, as this was an area of shared responsibility between departments.
It was agreed to request background information on the activities of Locate Jersey from the department.
There was some discussion of the latest situation regarding ministerial accountability and Scrutiny Panel responsibilities following the Transfer of Functions. The Scrutiny Officer was asked to request a briefing on the latest position regarding the areas of Digital, Innovation, and Competition, which it was noted would now need to be addressed to the Chief Minister's Department. | MO MO MO MO |
| 4. Forthcoming meetings Next scheduled Panel meeting: 9.30am on 27th January 2016, Blampied Room, States Building | MO |