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Migration and Population Review Panel
Records of Meetings
Year: 2021
The following records of meetings have been approved by the Panel. Signed
Chair
Migration and Population Review Panel
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Panel Membership The newly formed Migration and Population Review Panel commenced its first meeting with Senator Steve Pallett appointed as Chair. The Chair confirmed that Deputy Graham Truscott had expressed an interest in joining the Panel. The Panel noted that there may be a conflict of interest, on occasion, due to Deputy Truscott's membership of the States Employment Board but that this could be managed and agreed to invite him to join the Panel. The Panel agreed to speak to other States Members to encourage additional membership and noted that the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee had agreed to speak to Committee members about joining. |
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2. Panel Documents The Panel discussed and agreed the Terms of Reference for its Phase 1 review. The Panel discussed the review's Scoping Document, it was agreed that written submissions should be requested from the following stakeholders:
The Scoping Document was agreed pending these changes. | KG |
3. Panel Work Plan The Panel discussed the work plan for the review and recommendations made by the Scrutiny Liaison Committee in relation to the proposed timetable. The Panel agreed that a letter would be sent to the Chief Minister to ask for an extension of one States Assembly sitting (3 weeks) for the proposition (P.137/2020) to be debated in order that the Panel could complete its work. |
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The Panel agreed that the outcome of the letter from the Chief Minister would determine whether the Panel could proceed with a report or if a comments paper in relation to its Phase 1 review would inform the debate. | KG |
4. Panel Communication The Panel were presented with draft documents relating to the review, including a draft press release detailing the launch of the review and a letter for targeted written submissions requesting evidence for the review. The Panel approved the draft press release and agreed that this be circulated to States Members and the media, at the appropriate time. The Panel approved the targeted written submission letter and agreed that this be sent to parties defined in the scoping document. | KG |
5. Comparison Spreadsheet The Panel received a Comparison Spreadsheet that had been developed by Officers to highlight the influence of the final report of the Migration Policy Development Board and the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel's report on Population and Migration on P.137/2020. |
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6. Next Meeting The Panel agreed to schedule its next meeting for 14:00pm on Thursday 14th January 2021 via Microsoft Teams. |
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Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Panel Membership The Panel welcomed Deputy Graham Truscott to the Panel. |
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2. Phase 1 - Review Progress The Panel noted its letter to the Chief Minister had been submitted and it was awaiting a response. The letter requested an extension of one States Assembly sitting for the proposition (P.137/2020) debate. The Panel discussed the Comparison Spreadsheet, which compares the proposed actions set out in P.137/2020 to the findings and recommendations of the final report of the Migration Policy Development Board, the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel's report on Population and Migration, its accompanying Ministerial Response - as well as Deputy Perchard's amendment - and agreed to add reference to the Ministerial Response to the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel's Report on Population and Migration and review at the next meeting. The Panel agreed to draft a Question Plan in preparation for its public hearing with the Chief Minister (date pending) and review at the next meeting. The Panel approved the social media content in relation to the Call for Evidence for its review. The Panel noted the recent addition of new Housing and Work Advisory Group appeals in the updated list of Ministerial Decisions. The Panel agreed to monitor the publication of relevant Ministerial Decisions during its review, |
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3. Next Meeting The Panel agreed to schedule its next meeting for 10:30 am on Friday 22nd January 2021 via Teams. |
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Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meetings held on the 11th and 14th January 2021. |
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2. Phase 1: P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy [Part C]
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3. Public Hearing – Chief Minister and Assistant Chief Minister (MPDB) The Panel received a copy of the question plan for the public hearing with the Chief Minister and Assistant Chief Minister and agreed to include questions on the use of the 2021 Census, stakeholder feedback, and human rights compliance. The Panel agreed to meet the day before the public hearing to agree on the order of the question plan. The Panel agreed to submit further suggested edits to the Question Plan to Officers. The Panel agreed to schedule Monday 1st February to meet with invited stakeholders, including the Children's Commissioner, and to request the Chief Minister to attend a public hearing on Wednesday 3rd February. |
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4. Items for Communication The Panel noted public engagement in the form of the launch press release, stakeholder letters and a call for evidence as per the Scoping Document for the review had been completed . |
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5. Any Other Business The Panel agreed to withhold on recruiting additional States Members until the completion of Phase 1 of their review, and to resume recruitment efforts following the publication of their report. |
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6. Next Meeting The Panel agreed to schedule its next meeting for 10:30am on Friday 29th January 2021 via Teams. |
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Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meetings held on the 21st January 2021. |
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2. Phase 1: P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy [Part C] The Panel noted receipt of submissions from Citizens Advice Jersey, the Children's Commissioner and Liberate. The Panel agreed that outstanding submission requests would be followed up prior to the call for evidence deadline of 3rd February 2021. The Panel raised concerns about any impact of the proposition on the Social Security Fund in Jersey. The Panel agreed to contact the Minister for Social Security to seek clarification. The Panel agreed that the Chair would contact the Chief Executive of Jersey Chamber of Commerce to follow-up on the request for a submission. The Panel requested the submission and transcript of the Public Hearing with the Jersey Farmers' Union from the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel's review of Population and Migration in 2019 be circulated. | KG |
3. Public Hearings with the Chief Minister and Children's Commissioner The Panel agreed to reschedule its public hearing with the Children's Commissioner to 3pm on Wednesday 3rd February 2021 or Thursday 4th February 2021 due to the requisition of a meeting of the States Assembly on Monday 1st February 2021. The Panel noted the updated Question Plan for its public hearing with the Chief Minister and Assistant Chief Minister. The Panel noted that the Question Plan for its public hearing with the Children's Commissioner was in the process of being drafted and would be sent electronically for review. | KG |
4. Administrative Matters The Panel noted receipt of a Project Plan developed by Officers to outline its work. The Panel decided to review Jersey's position in relation to International Conventions relevant to P.137/2020. | KG |
5. Next Meeting The next meeting was scheduled to take place at 2pm on Wednesday 3rd February 2021 via Teams. |
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Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meeting held on the 28th January 2021. |
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2. Phase 1: P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy [Part C] The Panel noted receipt of further written submissions from the Jersey Farmers Union, the Friends of Africa, Jersey Finance, Jersey Construction Council and the Royal College of Nursing. The Panel acknowledged forthcoming submissions from the Chamber of Commerce and Jersey Business and requested that officers arrange a short briefing with both organisations. The Panel noted and agreed the Heads of Report. The Officer advised that some of titles may alter as a result of key themes from additional submissions |
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3. Public Hearings with the Chief Minister and Children's Commissioner The Panel noted and agreed additions to the Question Plan for its Public Hearing with the Chief Minister and Assistant Chief Minister on 5th February 2021. The Panel requested officers to seek additional time for the Public Hearing beyond the 1.5 hours scheduled. The Panel reviewed and approved the Question Plan for its Public Hearing with the Children's Commissioner on 4th February 2021. | KG |
4. Administrative Matters The Panel were advised by the Officer that relevant social media posts would be scheduled before and after the Public Hearings. |
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5. Next Meeting The next meeting was scheduled to take place at 2pm on Friday 12th February 2021 via Teams. | AT |
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer Item 3 only Deborah McMillan, The Children's Commissioner for Jersey Sam Le Quesne, Communications Officer for the Children's Commissioner Item 5 only Murray Norton, Jersey Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Graeme Smith, Jersey Business Chief Executive |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meetings held on the 3rd of February 2021. |
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2. Phase 1: P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy [Part C] The Panel noted receipt of further submissions. |
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3. Public Hearing with the Children's Commissioner The Panel finalised the question plan for its public hearing with the Children's Commissioner. The Panel received the Children's Commissioner, Deborah McMillan, for a public hearing. The Commissioner was accompanied by Communications Officer Sam Le Quesne. A recording was made so that a transcript could be produced and the meeting was broadcast live via webcast. |
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4. Public Hearing with the Chief Minister The Panel noted the updated question plan for its public hearing with the Chief Minister and Assistant Chief Minister. |
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5. Private briefing: Chamber of Commerce and Jersey Business |
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The Panel received Murray Norton, Chief Executive of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce and Graeme Smith, Chief Executive of Jersey Business to discuss their views on the Migration Control Policy. Both organisations gave an assurance that they would also provide written submissions for the Panel to consider as part of its review. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26. |
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6. Next Meeting The Panel noted that its next meeting was scheduled to take place at 2.30 pm on Friday 5th February 2021 via Teams. |
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Item 1
Migration and Population Review Panel
Record of Meeting
Meeting held by Video Conference
Date: 5th February 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer Senator John Le Fondré, Chief Minister Deputy Rowland Huelin, Assistant Chief Minister Sue Duhamel, Director Strategic Planning and Performance Neil Stocks, Senior Policy Officer (Immigration and Migration Policy) |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Public Hearing with the Chief Minister on Phase 1: P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy [Part C] The Panel finalised the question plan for its public hearing with the Chief Minister. The Panel received the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, Assistant Chief Minister, Deputy Rowland Huelin, Director Strategic Planning and Performance, Sue Duhamel and Senior Policy Officer (Immigration and Migration Policy), Neil Stocks, for a public hearing. A recording was made so that a transcript could be produced and the meeting was broadcast live via webcast. Once the hearing had ended, the Panel requested that written responses should be provided by the Chief Minister for all questions which remained outstanding. The Panel requested that a letter containing all remaining questions was sent to the Chief Minister. | AT |
2. Next Meeting The Panel noted that its next meeting was scheduled to take place at 2 pm on Friday 12th February 2021 via Teams. |
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Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meetings held on 3rd, 4th and 5th February 2021. |
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2. Phase 1: P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy [Part C] The Panel received an update on the progress of its Report on P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy (Phase 1) from Officers. The Panel was advised that the Findings and Recommendations would be presented to them for review on Monday 15th February to allow them to consider potential amendments. | KG/AT |
3. Public Hearing with the Children's Commissioner The Panel approved the transcript of the Public Hearing held with the Children's Commissioner, Deborah McMillan, on Thursday 4th February 2021. |
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4. Public Hearing with the Chief Minister The Panel acknowledged receipt of the written responses to the outstanding questions from the Public Hearing with the Chief Minister held on Friday 5th February. |
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5. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next meeting was scheduled to take place at 2.30 pm on Monday 15th February. |
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Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Phase 1: P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy [Part C] The Panel received and reviewed the Findings and Recommendations and advised Officers that they wished to lodge an amendment to P.137/2020. The Officer advised that the draft amendment would be presented to the Panel for review on Monday 15th February and then for its approval on Tuesday 16th February. The Officer advised the Panel that the draft report would be finalised and presented to it later in the week commencing 15th February. | KG/TS KG/AT |
2. Future Meetings A meeting with the Chair and Officers was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 16th February. |
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Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Andrew Harris , Principal Committee & Panel Officer Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meetings held on 12th and 15th February 2021. |
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2. Phase 1: P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy [Part C] The Panel received and approved the finalised Migration Control Policy (Phase 1) Report. The Officer advised that the relevant sections of the report would be sent to the Chief Minister for factual accuracy checking with a deadline for responses of Tuesday 23rd February. The Panel noted that Officers would prepare a news release to accompany the publication of the report for the Panel's approval. | AT AT |
3. Public Hearing with the Chief Minister The Panel approved the transcript of the Public Hearing held with the Chief Minister on Friday 5th February 2021 and requested Officers to upload it to the review page on the States Assembly website. | AT |
4. Public Hearing with the Chief Minister The Panel acknowledged receipt of the written responses to the outstanding questions from the Public Hearing with the Chief Minister held on Friday 5th February. |
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5. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next meeting was scheduled to take place at 11 am on Wednesday 24th February. |
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Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Andrew Harris , Principal Committee & Panel Officer Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meetings held on 12th and 15th February 2021. |
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2. Phase 1: P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy [Part C] The Panel received and approved the finalised Migration Control Policy (Phase 1) Report. The Officer advised that the relevant sections of the report would be sent to the Chief Minister for factual accuracy checking with a deadline for responses of Tuesday 23rd February. The Panel noted that Officers would prepare a news release to accompany the publication of the report for the Panel's approval. | AT AT |
3. Public Hearing with the Chief Minister The Panel approved the transcript of the Public Hearing held with the Chief Minister on Friday 5th February 2021 and requested Officers to upload it to the review page on the States Assembly website. | AT |
4. Public Hearing with the Chief Minister The Panel acknowledged receipt of the written responses to the outstanding questions from the Public Hearing with the Chief Minister held on Friday 5th February. |
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5. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next meeting was scheduled to take place at 11 am on Wednesday 24th February. |
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Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the record of the meeting held on 19th February 2021. |
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2. Phase 1: P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy [Part C] The Panel approved the publication of its report S.R.6/2021 P137/2020 Migration Control Policy (Phase 1) and the accompanying news release. The Officer advised that the report would be sent out to States Members and the Media under embargo for formal presentation on Thursday 25th February. | AT |
3. Public Hearing with the Chief Minister The Panel noted that a request had been made to the Chief Minister for a response in relation to a question raised during the public hearing on 5th February 2021. |
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4. Future Meetings The Panel noted that it had concluded the first phase of its review and would reconvene in due course to discuss its ongoing work programme. |
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Date: 1st March 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Theo Stone, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Phase 1: P.137/2020 – Migration Control Policy Amendment The Panel decided to withdraw its amendment P.137/2020 (Amd) 3 Migration Control Policy (Phase 1). The decision was made in the light of comments lodged to the amendment by the Privileges and Procedures Committee and the Chief Minister. The Officer advised that the Assistant Greffier and the Chief Minister would be notified accordingly and the Chair advised that he would notify States Members of the decision. | SP/AT |
Date: 31st March 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Peter Lamy , Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. In-committee debate The Panel discussed the States Assembly Population Policy in-committee debate held during the sitting of the 23rd March 2021. The Panel agreed that this had been an insightful and informative exercise. The Panel discussed forward actions following the debate. It was agreed that a letter would be sent the Assistant Chief Minister, Deputy Rowland Huelin, to ascertain the level at which stakeholders, including the general public, would be consulted with during the development of a population policy. The Panel agreed that a response by Friday 9th April 2021 would be requested. | PL |
Date: 16th April 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Peter Lamy , Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Ministerial Response to S.R.6/2021 – Migration Control Policy (Phase 1) The Panel considered the Ministerial Response to its report S.R.6/2021 – Migration Control Policy (Phase 1). The Panel agreed that the Migration Control Policy risked being a high-level policy document without specific definitions for the Government of Jersey to work to and that scrutinising this risk would be part of its scope in its forward review. The Panel agreed that it would act collaboratively with the Government of Jersey, and that a briefing would be requested to be held at the end of May 2021 to ascertain the progress of policy production and to cover concerns raised following the Ministerial Response. The Panel requested that officers make the necessary arrangements and form a question plan. | AT |
Date: 19th May 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier |
Apologies | Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Deputy Rowland Huelin, Assistant Chief Minister Sue Duhamel, Director, Strategic Policy, Performance and Population Neil Stocks, Senior Policy Officer, Immigration and Migration Policy Michelle Clark, Senior Policy Officer, Population Policy Anna Thorne , Committee and Panel Officer Peter Lamy , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
Migration Control Policy and Population Policy: Update The Panel received the Assistant Chief Minister, Deputy Rowland Huelin, Director, Strategic Policy, Performance and Population, Sue Duhamel; Senior Policy Officer, Immigration and Migration Policy, Neil Stocks, and Senior Policy Officer, Population Policy, Michelle Clark for a briefing on the progress on the migration control policy and the population policy following the States debate on P.137/2021 Migration Control Policy' on the 3rd March 2021 and the subsequent in-committee debate on 25th March 2021. The record of the meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with Articles 26 and 35 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended). |
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Date: 25th May 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer Peter Lamy , Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of the meeting held on the 19th May 2021. |
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2. Migration Control Policy and Population Policy Review The Panel noted and considered information received following its briefing from the Assistant Chief Minister of the 19th May 2021, on the progress of the Migration Control Policy and a Common Population Policy following the States debate on the Migration Control Policy' (P.137/2020) on the 3rd March 2021 and the subsequent In Committee debate of 25th March 2021. The Panel agreed that Panel officers should liaise with Government to request full written submissions made to the Assistant Chief Minister by stakeholders on the impact of COVID-19 and Brexit to date. The Panel recalled that timetables included in R.41/2021 Developing a Common Population Policy: In Committee Debate indicated that the Chief Minister planned to lodge amendments to the Control of Housing and Work Law on the 31st May 2021. The Panel noted that the Children, Education & Home Affairs Panel (CEHA) would potentially be scrutinising P.44/2021 Immigration Acts Consolidation and Extension | AT AT |
To Jersey by Order in Council. It was agreed that P.44/2021 may hold relevance in the Panel's review, as such the Panel requested that Officers liaise with the CEHA Panel to ascertain if Panel members could be invited to briefings on the topic. | |
3. Public Hearing The Panel agreed that a public hearing should be held with the Assistant Chief Minister and requested that Officers make the necessary arrangements to hold a public hearing in the weeks commencing the 14th or 21st June 2021. The Panel agreed that question areas should be formulated based upon the information presented to it to date. | AT |
4. Future meetings The Panel agreed that it would meet following receipt of the written stakeholder submissions. |
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Date: 23rd June 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Deputy Rowland Huelin, Assistant Chief Minister Sue Duhamel, Director, Strategic Policy, Performance and Population Neil Stocks, Senior Policy Officer, Immigration and Population Michelle Clark, Senior Policy Officer, Population Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Public Hearing The Panel received the Assistant Chief Minister and officers for a public hearing on Migration and Population Policy. The hearing was recorded and transcribed. |
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Date: 4th August 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Peter Lamy , Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of the meeting held on the 31st March, 16th April and 25th May 2021. |
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2. Migration Control Policy and Population Policy Review The Panel noted and discussed consultation being carried out by the Government of Jersey on Population Policy. The Panel expressed concern that the consultation would not provide any new information to the Government of Jersey, past what had already been expressed by the public, however the Panel acknowledged that wider consultation was necessary. The Panel agreed that the results of elements of the consultation completed, such as qualitative research, would be requested. The Panel further agreed that the Government of Jersey would be requested to update it as to discussions held with the Children's Commissioner and any consultation work undertaken with children. The Panel was mindful that amendments to the Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law 2012 were outstanding, following adoption of the Migration Control Policy [P.137/2020], and agreed that an update would be requested as to when it could be expected that those amendments would be lodged. The Panel agreed that an update would be requested on the development of Information Technology systems to aid in data collection concerning Population Policy. The Panel further agreed to request clarification if it was the Chief Minister's intention to lodge a proposition to debate the Population Policy once formed. |
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Date: 4th October 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Deputy Rowland Huelin, Assistant Chief Minister Sue Duhamel, Director, Strategic Policy, Performance and Population Neil Stocks, Senior Policy Officer, Immigration and Migration Policy Michelle Clark, Senior Policy Officer, Population Policy Anna Thorne , Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda Matter | Action |
Migration Control Policy and Population Policy: Update The Panel received the Assistant Chief Minister, Deputy Rowland Huelin, Director, Strategic Policy, Performance and Population, Sue Duhamel; Senior Policy Officer, Immigration and Migration Policy, Neil Stocks, and Senior Policy Officer, Population Policy, Michelle Clark for a briefing on the progress on the development of the Common Population Policy and the lodging of the amendments to the Control of Housing and Work Law outlined in P.137/2020 Migration Control Policy which was approved by the States on the 3rd March 2021. The record of the meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with Articles 26 and 35 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended). |
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Date: 25th October 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Anna Thorne , Committee and Panel Officer Peter Lamy , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meetings held on the 23rd June, 4th August and 4th October 2021. |
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2. Migration and Population Policy The Panel noted a letter from the Assistant Chief Minister received 12th October 2021. The Panel expressed concern at the timing outlined in the letter, namely the lodging of a Common Population Policy during the first week of December 2021 for debate at the 18 January 2022 States Assembly sitting. The Panel agreed that this would not provide adequate time for thorough scrutiny of the policy, especially given that officers, Ministers and expert witnesses would have limited availability over the Christmas period. The Panel agreed that a letter would be sent to the Assistant Chief Minister to request a delay in the debate of the Common Population Policy to the States Assembly sitting of the 8 February 2021. The Panel recalled that an amendment to the Migration Control Policy [P.137/2020], which was adopted by the Assembly, required the Council of Ministers to develop a common policy on population by the end of December 2021. The Panel agreed that it would highlight this to the Assistant Chief Minister in its letter, and would ask if he would be seeking the leave of the Assembly to defer the debate. The Panel further agreed that its letter should also request confirmation of the lodging date for the amendments to the Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law 2012 and include a request for an update on the integration of data from IT systems and the 2021 Census in the development of the Common Population Policy. The Panel also agreed to request clarification on scope and potentially transitional nature proposed Common Population Policy. | AT |
3. Future meetings The Panel agreed that it would meet once a response to its letter was received and that a provisional meeting would be scheduled for 10am on 4th November 2021. |
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Meeting held by video conference
Date: 8th December 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Anna Thorne , Committee and Panel Officer Peter Lamy , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meeting held on the 9th November 2021. |
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2. Population Policy Review The Panel noted a confidential draft of the Common Population Policy (the Policy), noting that this had been discussed by the Council of Ministers on 7 December 2021 and was expected to be lodged with the States Assembly imminently. The Panel noted and discussed a draft scoping document for its planned Population Policy Review (the Review). The Panel agreed that the Review should focus primarily on the Policy and that publication of a report of its findings and recommendations would be an outcome objective of the Review. The Panel agreed that stakeholders should include the Registrar, Children's Commissioner, Portuguese and Polish Consulates, Age Concern and Jersey Youth Parliament. Noting the proximity of the Christmas period it was agreed that a letter would be pre-emptively drafted to invite submissions to the review prior to its formal launch and the lodging of the Policy. The Panel agreed that it was important to gain public perceptions of the Policy and requested Officers make enquiries into how this could be best achieved. The Panel recalled that the Government of Jersey had carried out both qualitative and quantitative social research in the course of its consultation, however, results from a completed online survey had not yet been received. It was agreed that these should again be requested by Officers in order that the Panel could consider the data in the formation of its own engagement strategy. The Panel agreed that relevant documents of the Review should include R.182/2021 (Impact of an ageing population on Jersey's economy) and the Children's Commissioners report Housing Rights and Children in Jersey. The Panel agreed that consideration of the use of an Adviser to provide analysis of the Policy's approach to population control would be undertaken, and requested Officers to identify potential individuals and organisations that could provide this | AT AT AT |
service. It was noted by the Panel that, as a specialist area, there may be difficulty in gaining the required advice. The Panel noted that a States Members briefing on the Policy was scheduled to take place at 3pm on Thursday 9 December 2021. The Panel noted that the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel planned to ask questions on the Policy in a Quarterly Hearing with the Chief Minister scheduled to take place on Friday 10 December 2021. The Panel further noted that under Standing Orders of the States of Jersey as a Review Panel it held its own remit separate to that of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, however, that Panel held remit over the Chief Minister and could therefore ask questions on the topic. The Panel noted that amendments to the Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law |
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2012 had not yet been lodged, however anticipated that these were likely to remain unchanged since those outlined in the Migration Control Policy [P.137/2020] agreed by the Assembly on 3 March 2021, which the Panel had previously reviewed [S.R.6/2021]. The Panel agreed that it would review the Policy and meet at 12:30pm on Monday 13 December 2021 to discuss further. |
Hybrid Meeting
Date: 9th November 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Anna Thorne , Committee and Panel Officer Peter Lamy , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meeting held on the 25th October 2021. |
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2. Migration and Population Policy The Panel noted a letter from the Assistant Chief Minister received 2nd November 2021. The Panel agreed that a letter would be sent to the States Assembly members to outline the timeline for scrutiny of the Population Policy and reasoning behind requesting a delay in debate of that policy. The Panel noted that the Control of Housing and Work Law amendments were anticipated to be lodged by 22nd December 2021 and agreed that the Panel would decide at that time how to best review the revisions to the law, agreeing that a list of potential stakeholders would be formed in preparation. The Panel noted that results following the consultation undertaken by the Government of Jersey had not been received and requested that Officers enquire as to when they would be forwarded. The Panel agreed that concern remained regarding the debate date of the Population Policy, noting that:
The Panel agreed that further enquiries should be made to establish if this meant there was a requirement to bring the Population Policy forward for debate in 2021 or for it to be developed by the end of 2021 only. | AT AT AT AT |
Meeting held by video conference
Date: 8th December 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Anna Thorne , Committee and Panel Officer Peter Lamy , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meeting held on the 9th November 2021. |
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2. Population Policy Review The Panel noted a confidential draft of the Common Population Policy (the Policy), noting that this had been discussed by the Council of Ministers on 7 December 2021 and was expected to be lodged with the States Assembly imminently. The Panel noted and discussed a draft scoping document for its planned Population Policy Review (the Review). The Panel agreed that the Review should focus primarily on the Policy and that publication of a report of its findings and recommendations would be an outcome objective of the Review. The Panel agreed that stakeholders should include the Registrar, Children's Commissioner, Portuguese and Polish Consulates, Age Concern and Jersey Youth Parliament. Noting the proximity of the Christmas period it was agreed that a letter would be pre-emptively drafted to invite submissions to the review prior to its formal launch and the lodging of the Policy. The Panel agreed that it was important to gain public perceptions of the Policy and requested Officers make enquiries into how this could be best achieved. The Panel recalled that the Government of Jersey had carried out both qualitative and quantitative social research in the course of its consultation, however, results from a completed online survey had not yet been received. It was agreed that these should again be requested by Officers in order that the Panel could consider the data in the formation of its own engagement strategy. The Panel agreed that relevant documents of the Review should include R.182/2021 (Impact of an ageing population on Jersey's economy) and the Children's Commissioners report Housing Rights and Children in Jersey. The Panel agreed that consideration of the use of an Adviser to provide analysis of the Policy's approach to population control would be undertaken, and requested Officers to identify potential individuals and organisations that could provide this | AT AT AT |
service. It was noted by the Panel that, as a specialist area, there may be difficulty in gaining the required advice. The Panel noted that a States Members briefing on the Policy was scheduled to take place at 3pm on Thursday 9 December 2021. The Panel noted that the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel planned to ask questions on the Policy in a Quarterly Hearing with the Chief Minister scheduled to take place on Friday 10 December 2021. The Panel further noted that under Standing Orders of the States of Jersey as a Review Panel it held its own remit separate to that of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, however, that Panel held remit over the Chief Minister and could therefore ask questions on the topic. The Panel noted that amendments to the Control of Housing and Work (Jersey) Law |
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2012 had not yet been lodged, however anticipated that these were likely to remain unchanged since those outlined in the Migration Control Policy [P.137/2020] agreed by the Assembly on 3 March 2021, which the Panel had previously reviewed [S.R.6/2021]. The Panel agreed that it would review the Policy and meet at 12:30pm on Monday 13 December 2021 to discuss further. |
Meeting held by video conference
Date: 13th December 2021
Present | Senator Steve Pallett, Chair Deputy Steve Ahier Deputy Graham Truscott |
In attendance | Anna Thorne , Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of the meeting held on the 8th December 2021. |
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2. Review of the Common Population Policy (P.116/2021) The Panel noted that the Common Population Policy (P116/2021) was lodged on 10th December. The Panel agreed a draft scoping document and terms of reference for its review of the Common Population Policy. The Panel reviewed and approved a letter to be sent to key stakeholders. To ensure that the stakeholders had sufficient time to reply given the short timeframe for the review and that it fell partially over the Christmas period, it was agreed that the letter be sent in advance of the review launch and be followed with the call for evidence. The Panel agreed that it would require a maximum of six public hearings as part of the review, two of which would call on the Chief Minister and Assistant Chief Minister to provide evidence. The Panel requested that arrangements be made for the first of the Ministerial hearings to take place in the first week of January and the second on either the 24th or 25th January. It was agreed that the review should be launched prior to the Christmas break and that a news release should be drafted for the Panel's approval to accompany the launch. | AT AT AT |