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Date: 25th July 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Carina Alves Deputy Max Andrews |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Monique Magalhaes, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Procedural and Administrative Matters Deputy Max Andrews was appointed Vice Chair of the Panel. It was agreed that regular Panel meetings would be held on Tuesday mornings between 10.00-12.00 with exception to States' sitting weeks. The Officer was requested to circulate outlook calendar invitations for the remainder of the year. The Panel noted Standing Orders S.O. 138 (6) and noted the arrangements for briefing oral witnesses and the approach to managing written evidence (CoP, para 72 and CoP, para 74). The Panel noted that it would not consider individual matters as areas for review in line with the Code of Practice for Scrutiny Proceedings (CoP, para 46). | KG |
2. Declarations and Conflicts of Interest The Panel noted the declarations and conflicts of interest section of the Scrutiny and Public Accounts Committee Proceedings: Code of Practice. No declarations were made at the present time. The Panel noted that there would be future opportunity to declare any potential conflicts of interest as part of the scoping exercise for any future reviews. |
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3. Working Practices The Panel agreed that the default would be for all meetings and any public facing meetings (public hearings, briefings) to be held in person. The Panel noted the Code of Practice for Scrutiny Panels and the role of Committee and Panel Officer. |
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4. Scrutiny Member Training The Panel noted various opportunities for external training to be provided, including media training and Microsoft Teams training. It was agreed that the Officer would organise Microsoft Teams training specific to Panel member requirements. | KG |
The Panel welcomed the opportunity to visit the House of Commons in Westminster and the Officer was requested to make the necessary enquiries as a priority for a visit in Q4 2023. |
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5. Work Programme The Panel noted the Legacy Report of the former Panel (S.R.10/2022) and in particular, the suggestions for future scrutiny work. The Panel agreed it would send a letter to the newly appointed Minister for Treasury and Resources to ask whether there would be a review in approach to the Ministerial response to the Co-Funded Payroll Scheme Report prepared by its predecessors. (S.R.9/2022) The Panel discussed various policy matters and upcoming propositions. The Panel agreed that, in the first instance, it would be beneficial to receive Ministerial briefings on upcoming work programmes including any legislation in the pipeline, an outline of immediate priorities and approach to action as well as the lodging timetable in respect of the upcoming common strategic priorities and Government Plan 2023-2026. The Panel also agreed to request documentation from Ministers relevant to the Public Services Ombudsperson and minutes of the Revenue Policy Development Board from March 2022 to date. Accordingly, the Officer was requested to draft a letter to each relevant Minister requesting a briefing and documentation. The Panel noted that a mini budget' proposition was anticipated to be lodged imminently by the Minister for Treasury and Resources. The Panel agreed it would request a briefing from the Minister for Treasury and Resources and would draft a scoping document and terms of reference for a review of the proposition. The Panel agreed that it would approve the documentation electronically for its mini budget' review. The Panel also agreed it would seek an economic adviser to assist the Panel with its work and that Deputy Andrews could represent the interests of the Economic and International Affairs Panel for this review. The Panel acknowledged that it would consider co-option or a Sub-Panel for its mini budget review. | KG |
6. Site Visits The Panel agreed that site visits were not required at this stage. This would be reviewed as and when reviews were scoped, and any particular site visits identified. |
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7. Any Other Business The Panel agreed it would seek an additional Panel member over the summer recess. The Panel agreed that the Digital and Public Engagement team would be invited to its next meeting to present its work. |
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8. Next Meeting It was agreed that the Panel's next scheduled meeting would take place on 16thAugust 2022 at 11.45am in the Blampied Room. |
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Date: 28th July 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Carina Alves |
Apologies | Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair |
In attendance | Health and Social Services Scrutiny Panel Deputy Geoffrey Southern , Chair Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache [Item 1 Only] Deputy Barbara Ward [Item 1 Only] Deputy Beatriz Porée [Item 1 Only] Connétable Mark Labey , Connétable of Grouville Item 1 Only Deputy Ian Gorst , Minister for Treasury and Resources Deputy Elaine Millar , Minister for Social Security Deputy Steve Ahier , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources Richard Summersgill, Comptroller, Treasury and Exchequer Richard Bell, Treasurer of the States, Treasury and Exchequer Fiona Fraser, Deputy Director, Treasury and Exchequer Sue Duhamel, Director, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Sam Idiong, Private Secretary, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Abbie Moore , Private Secretary to the Minister for Treasury and Resources Luke Chipperfield, Head of Communications Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Sammy Mckee, Committee & Panel Officer Anna Thorne , Committee & Panel Officer [Item 1 Only] Janice Hales , Research and Panel Officer [Item 1 Only] Monique Magalhaes, Research and Panel Officer Kaya Camara, Research and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Cost-of-living: Mini Budget The Panel, jointly with the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel, welcomed Deputy Ian Gorst , Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Elaine Millar , Minister for Social Security, Deputy Steve Ahier , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources and relevant Officers for a private briefing on the Cost-of-living Mini Budget. The briefing was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35. |
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2. Debrief Meeting The Panel approved the Scoping Document and Terms of Reference for its review of the Mini Budget and agreed for the documents to be shared with the Scrutiny Liaison Committee for approval. | KG |
The Panel discussed whether members of the Health and Social Security Panel would be interested in being co-opted to the Panel for its review of the Mini Budget. The Chair of the Health and Social Security Panel agreed to be co-opted to the Panel for the review and to revert should any other Members of the Health and Social Security Panel be interested in that regard. | SM/GS |
Date: 5th August 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Carina Alves |
Apologies | Deputy Max Andrews |
In attendance | Geoffrey Southern , Chair, Health and Social Security Panel Andrew Harris , Principal Committee & Panel Officer Monique Magalhaes, Research and Project Officer Ella Nicholls, Communications Officer, Digital and Public Engagement |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Review: Cost-of-Living Mini Budget Review The Panel met to discuss and agree the approach to public engagement for its review of P.80/2022 – Mini-Budget 2022. In addition, to note and discuss the advisor engagement brief and the preliminary list of potential advisors. The Communications Officer outlined the public engagement options available to the Panel in respect of its review. The Panel noted it wished to engage and obtain the views of particular groups including members of the public over the age of 65 years, low-income households and households which fell on the cusp of low-income (those exempt from taxation) and the low-income taxation threshold. Considering the tight timescale for the review, the Panel agreed that in order to engage the members of the public it would make use of targeted social media campaigns, a survey, calling cards (with QR codes for providing access to the survey), press notices and pop-up stands in town. The Panel agreed to hand out the calling cards during the town pop-up sessions. Moreover, the Panel agreed it would target specific charities and groups in order to request engagement through their data bases as appropriate, to help increase public engagement. The Communications Officer agreed to action the above and left the meeting. The Panel noted and discussed the advisor engagement brief. The Panel requested that minor amendments be made to the brief and subsequently approved the amended brief. The Panel noted and discussed the preliminary list of potential advisors and, noting the tight timeframe for the review, requested the Officer to approach all the potential advisors on the list for expressions of interest. It was agreed that the advisor engagement brief would be sent to all potential advisors that afternoon noting a response deadline of Tuesday 9th August 2022. The Panel agreed, once the expressions of interest were received, that a Panel meeting would be scheduled and advisor interviews would follow thereafter. It was agreed that the interviews would likely be scheduled for the 11th or 12th August 2022. The Panel highlighted the importance of receiving the distributional analyses in respect of the proposals within the mini budget as promised by the Minister for Treasury and Resources during its joint briefing with the Health and Social Security Panel on 28th July. | EN AH/MM AH/MM |
The Panel requested the Officer to request via email that the distributional analyses be shared with the Panel by Tuesday 9th August 2022. The Panel agreed for a joint public review hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources and Minister for Social Security to be scheduled for the 25th or 26th August 2022, if possible. | AH/MM AH/MM |
Meeting held by video conference
Date: 12th August 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Carina Alves |
Apologies |
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In attendance | Geoffrey Southern , Chair, Health and Social Security Panel Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) [item 1 only] Andrew Harris , Principal Committee & Panel Officer Monique Magalhaes, Research and Project Officer Ella Nicholls, Communications Officer, Digital and Public Engagement [item 2 only] |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Review: Cost-of-Living Mini Budget Review The Panel met with Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) as part of its advisor procurement process for its review of P.80/2022 – Mini-Budget 2022. CEBR shared its experience and potential approach in respect of the advisory role. The Panel discussed its expectations with regard to the potential advisory role for the review. The deliverables and the CEBR resourcing that would be needed to meet the Panel's requirements within the tight timeframe for the review was discussed. Considering the tight timeframe for the review, CEBR agreed to provide the Panel with a further proposal later that afternoon outlining its advisory approach and the resultant resourcing and cost implication in respect of the discussions had. | CEBR |
2. Panel Debrief The Panel debriefed following the meeting with CEBR that morning. The Panel noted it would consider the CEBR proposal once received prior to confirming its approach in appointing an advisor for its review. Considering the tight timeframe for the review and noting the likelihood of an increased budget being required in order to appoint an advisor, the Panel agreed to approach the Scrutiny Liaison Committee to seek approval for a revised budget proposal, should the Panel decide to appoint an advisor for its review. The Panel also requested the Officer to proceed with the drafting of the advisor contract considering the review process was time sensitive. | AH/MM AH/MM |
The Panel noted and discussed the survey questions, associated social media content and press notice in respect of the survey launch for its review. The Panel agreed to launch its survey on Monday 15th August 2022 and noted a deadline to receive survey responses of Monday 29th August 2022. The Panel requested to be tagged in the social media posts in order for Members to share the survey more broadly with their followers on social media. | EN |
Date: 16th August 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Carina Alves [Items 1, 2 and 4 -6] |
Apologies |
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In attendance | Geoffrey Southern , Chair, Health and Social Security Panel [Item 3 only] Andrew Harris , Principal Committee & Panel Officer Monique Magalhaes, Research and Project Officer Ella Nicholls, Communications Officer, Digital and Public Engagement] [Item 3 only] |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted the records of the meetings held on 25th and 28th July 2022 and requested that a minor revision be made to the record of the meeting held on 28th July 2022. Subsequently the Panel approved the records of the meetings. |
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2. Scrutiny Member Training The Panel noted the scheduled dates and times for the Panel's Teams training the following week. Moreover, the Panel noted that further scrutiny training for all Scrutiny Members was being considered by the Scrutiny Liaison Committee for September 2022. |
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3. Review: Cost-of-Living Mini Budget Review Noting the Panel's review was launched on 4th August 2022, the Panel observed that 34 letters to targeted stakeholders were sent out on 5th August 2022. The Panel noted the deadline of 19th August 2022 for receiving stakeholder submissions. The Panel noted that three submissions had been received to date including from a member of the public, the Student Loan Support Group Jersey and Jersey Business. The Panel noted it would no longer be appointing an advisor to assist with its review and discussed alternative methods to inform its review. The Panel noted that the survey for its review was launched on Monday 15th August 2022 and had already received a positive uptake, noting that over 100 responses had been received since launching the previous day. The Panel noted the survey would run for a two-week period with a deadline for responses of 29th August 2022. The Panel agreed to write to the Minister for Treasury and Resources and Minister for Social Security with questions for a response in writing. The Panel noted that draft questions would be shared for the Panel's consideration by the following day. The Panel agreed, dependant on the stakeholder submissions received, to consider holding public review hearings with targeted stakeholders as appropriate to further inform | AH/MM AH/MM |
its review. Considering the deadline to receive stakeholder submissions of Friday 19th August 2022, the Panel agreed to confirm the viability of the approach the following week. The Panel noted that the town pop-up stands had been scheduled for Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd August 2022 between 12:00 and 2:00pm on both days. The Panel noted that its joint public review hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources and Minister for Social Security was scheduled for 30th August 2022 at 10am. The Panel agreed to meet the following week to discuss its question plan for the hearing and requested for a meeting to be scheduled for 25th August 2022, if possible. | AH/MM |
4. Correspondence: Minister for Treasury and Resources The Panel noted and discussed the letter received on 4th August 2022 from the Minister for Treasury and Resources in respect of its letter dated 25th July 2022 on the Co-funded Payroll Scheme. The Panel was pleased to note the reconsidered position of the Minister on the findings and recommendations, especially in relation to recommendations that had previously been rejected by the Minister's predecessor. The Panel agreed to write to the Minister for Treasury and Resources to express its views regarding the Minister's response and to note its intention to follow up the workstream during its public quarterly hearing with the Minister. Noting the importance of this workstream and the public's interest in that regard, the Panel agreed to highlight to the media the Minister's reconsidered position on the recommendations in respect of the Co-funded Payroll Scheme. The Panel noted and discussed the letter received on 9th August 2022 from the Minister for Treasury and Resources in respect of its letter dated 28th July 2022 on the Minister's work programme and priorities. The Panel agreed to follow up with any questions pertaining to the Minister's work programme at the public quarterly hearing with the Minister. | AH/MM EN AH/MM |
5. Correspondence: Chief Minister The Panel noted and discussed the letter received on 4th August from the Chief Minister in respect of its letter dated 28th July 2022 regarding the 100 Day Plan priorities. The Panel noted that a briefing on the 100 Day Plan was scheduled for 25th August 2022 at 10am. The Panel noted that the Chief Minister had confirmed the lodging timeline for the Common Strategic Policy and Government Plan 2023-26. Moreover, the intention to lodge these by 4th October 2022 in line with the 10-week minimum lodging period. Noting that the Chief Minister had agreed to share the law drafting instructions in relation to the Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson (JPSO) project with the Panel, the Panel noted it had followed up regarding this and was awaiting further feedback in that regard. |
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6. Next Meeting The Panel noted its next meeting scheduled for Tuesday 6th September at 10am in the Blampied Room, States Building. |
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Date: 30th August 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Geoff Southern , Chair, Health and Social Security Panel |
Apologies | Deputy C. Alves |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Ella Nicholls, Communications Officer Item 2 only: Deputy Ian Gorst , Minister for Treasury and Resources Deputy Elaine Millar , Minister for Social Security Mr Ian Burns, Director General, Customer and Local Services |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Cost of Living Mini Budget Review - Pre-Hearing discussion The Panel discussed and agreed the question areas for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources and Minister for Social Security scheduled to take place that day. |
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2. Cost of Living Mini Budget Review - Public Hearing The Panel received the Minister for Treasury and Resources and Minister for Social Security for its Cost of Living Mini Budget Review Hearing. The hearing was webcast live, recorded and transcribed. |
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3. Cost of Living Mini Budget Review - Post Hearing discussion The Panel agreed that it would form a social media release to communicate key areas of discussion that had taken place during the hearing, this included: • the lack of clarity on the impact of the mini budget on income equality. • many islanders were not aware of their eligibility to apply for Community Cost Bonus. • no Children's Rights Impact Assessments had been carried out for the proposition. • the Government was constrained in bringing further measures by the short timeframe to lodge the proposition, but more measures could be introduced the following year. • a second round of Spend Local cards was considered but would have taken six months to re-issue. • the education minister was due to review what financial measures could be introduced to support students in higher education. | EN |
Date: 6th September 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair |
Apologies | Deputy Carina Alves Deputy Geoff Southern , Chair, Health and Social Security Panel [Item 2 only) |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Monique Magalhaes, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of its meetings held on 5th, 12th and 16th August 2022. |
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2. Cost of Living Mini Budget Review The Panel noted the written submissions received for its review. The Panel discussed the content of submissions with specific reference to the concerns of students and small businesses, as well as the length of the proposed reduction in the social security contribution and rises in rental accommodation costs. The Panel approved the heads of report for its review. The Panel agreed that its impact section would be the most important section of the report and would form the basis for its findings and recommendations. The Panel noted the draft of its findings and recommendations and agreed to update the findings to highlight: • concerns on ministerial responses to the Panel's questions on income equality and reluctance to provide clarification with reference to page 10 of the public hearing transcript. • the lack of access to real time data resulting in guess work for proposed measures of support; and • no tangible action being taken on rises on rental accommodation costs. The Panel agreed to amend the recommendations in its report to the Council of Ministers and request the provision of: • accurate real time data when evidencing proposed support measures; and • a timeline to implement the Fair Rents Plan and whether it should be amended or expedited to prioritise the cost-of-living crisis. It was agreed that Recommendation two and three would be combined and the Panel would request an abridged statement from the Council of Ministers to clarify what consideration had been given to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child | KG/MM |
in the proposition. The Panel, subject to the above alterations, agreed its findings and recommendations for the report. The Panel discussed the timetable for the release of its report and agreed to publish on Monday 12th September 2022 with an embargoed version of the report being presented to States Members on Friday 9th September 2022. |
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3. P.85/2022 – States of Jersey Development Company Ltd: Appointment of Non- Executive Director The Panel noted the proposition and agreed no further action was required. | KG/MM |
4. States Business The Panel noted and discussed recent Ministerial Decisions and Reports within its remit. It was agreed that the Panel would raise questions with the Chief Minister on decision making for the recent transfers of ministerial responsibilities at its next quarterly public hearing. | KG/MM |
5. Scrutiny Member Training The Panel expressed its gratitude in relation to the Teams training it had received. It was agreed that advanced Teams training would be provided to the Panel Chair in November 2022. The Panel noted that its visit to the House of Commons was in the process of being arranged but had been delayed due to events in Westminster. | KG/MM |
6. Items for Communication The Panel agreed to prepare a press notice and social media for its Cost of Living Mini Budget Review Report. The Panel agreed that the press notice would focus on the findings and recommendations contained within its report. | KG/MM |
7. Any Other Business The Panel agreed that its quarterly hearings with the Chief Minister and Minister for Treasury and Resources would be organised for the end of September/beginning of October and for mid-December 2022. It was agreed that the Panel would agree the date and timings of the public hearings via calendar invitation once Ministers had confirmed availability. The Chair advised the Panel that the Scrutiny Liaison Committee had a private briefing with the Chief Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, and government officers on the status of the Our Hospital Project and associated review on 1st September 2022. The Chair confirmed that the Scrutiny Liaison Committee would consider the response of Scrutiny at its next meeting and the Chair would update the Panel accordingly. | KG/MM |
8. Next Meeting The Panel agreed it would meet on 8th September 2022 at 16.00pm to approve its Cost of Living Mini Budget review report. The Panel noted its next scheduled meeting would take place on Tuesday 20th September at 10.00am in the Blampied Room, States Building. |
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Meeting held by video conference
Date: 8th September 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair |
Apologies | Deputy Carina Alves Deputy Geoff Southern , Chair, Health and Social Security Panel (Items 1 & 2 only) |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Monique Magalhaes, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Cost of Living Mini Budget Review The Panel noted the report which had been drafted for its Cost of Living Mini Budget Review. The Panel agreed to make the following amendments to its report: • The Executive Summary of recommendations would highlight an alleviation of the crisis instead of reference to assisting the crisis. • Preceding text when referencing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child would state of the' instead of with the' to clarify its position. • The section of the report entitled Adequacy of the proposition to address the specific needs of Islanders and businesses' would be amended to highlight that proposed tax thresholds changes would benefit all marginal rate taxpayers, which would include those on well above the average wage. The report would therefore be edited to clarify this as an above medium income' instead of low to medium income' measure of support. • The conclusion section of the report would change to reflect that the capping of rent increases was not a compulsory measure. The Panel, subject to the above alterations, agreed the report drafted for its review. The Panel agreed to send relevant aspects of its report to stakeholders for fact checking. | KG/MM |
2. Next Meeting The Panel agreed to review any stakeholder comments for its Cost of Living Mini Budget review report at a video conference meeting on Friday 9th September 2022 at 14.00pm. |
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Meeting held by video conference
Date: 13th September 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair |
Apologies | Deputy Carina Alves Deputy Geoff Southern , Chair, Health and Social Security Panel [Item 2 only) |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Monique Magalhaes, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Cost of Living Mini Budget Review The Panel discussed the updated timetable for the publication of its report, following her Majesty's death, and agreed it would be released on Thursday 15th September 2022. The Panel noted the stakeholder comments which had been received for its report and agreed to the following actions:
It was agreed that no change to bullet point 33 of its report would be adopted as this was a quote taken directly from a written submission which raised the concern highlighted. It was agreed that the press notice for the review report would not be released until Tuesday 20th September 2022 to account for the mourning period for her Majesty. | KG/MM |
2. Next Meeting The Panel noted its next scheduled meeting was scheduled for Tuesday 27th September 2022 at 10.00am in the Blampied Room, States Building. |
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Date: 27th September 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair |
Apologies | Deputy Carina Alves |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Monique Magalhaes, Committee & Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on 30th August and 6th and 8th of September 2022. |
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2. Quarterly Public Hearing – Minister for Treasury and Resources The Panel noted its draft question plan for its quarterly hearing on Thursday 29th September 2022. The Panel agreed to consider and confirm any changes it wished to make to the question plan electronically by midday on Wednesday 28th September 2022. The Panel agreed to discuss the question plan further at its scheduled pre-meeting on Thursday 29th September 2022 prior to the quarterly hearing at 12:30pm. The Panel noted the witnesses who would be attending the quarterly hearing and discussed and agreed the seating plan. The Panel requested Officers to inform the Ministerial Support Unit accordingly. | KG/MM |
3. Technology Accelerator Programme The Panel noted the letter received from the Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture dated 13th September 2022 which related to the Technology Accelerator Programme. The Panel noted that the Economic and International Affairs (EIA) Panel had also received a similar letter. The Panel noted that the previous Corporate Services Panel (CSP) had scrutinised the establishment and governance of the Technology Accelerator Fund. The Panel noted that the letter referenced the development of the workstream of the Fund Programme to be funded. The Panel agreed that careful consideration should be given to how the Programme would be scrutinised and by whom to avoid unintended crossover between the remits of scrutiny Panels. The Chair agreed to discuss the potential scrutiny options with the Chair of the EIA Panel and subsequently present any options to the Scrutiny Liaison Committee, as necessary. | SM |
4. States Business The Panel considered any Ministerial Decisions, Reports and forthcoming items of States Business relevant to its remit. The Panel noted that no Ministerial Decisions had been |
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published beyond 14th September 2022. The Panel noted the report published on the Fiscal Stimulus Fund on 21st September 2022. The Panel noted that it was not expected to be the primary respondent for the propositions currently lodged for debate. However, highlighted that may change as propositions were lodged. |
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5. Work Programme The Panel noted and discussed its current work programme up to December 2022 and noted its agreed scheduled public quarterly hearings with the Minister for Treasury and Resources and the Chief Minister. The Panel noted the imminent lodging of the Government Plan 2023-26 and the Common Strategic Policy by 4th October 2022 and other potential areas of work, the Panel agreed it would be particularly busy over the coming months. The Panel noted that a briefing paper on the background of the Public Services Ombudsperson (PSO) was being prepared for its consideration and that would be shared with it later that week. The Panel also noted that it was still awaiting receipt of the law drafting instructions in relation to the PSO and that it was currently under review by the Chief Minister. The Panel discussed the possibility of whether the Independent Taxation - Transitional Compensatory Allowance 202 - legislation and the Finance (2023 Budget) (Jersey) Law 202- would be lodged in combination. | KG/MM |
6. Items for Communication The Panel noted the social media communications underway in respect of its upcoming public quarterly hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources. It was agreed that the Panel would discuss the communication strategy with regard to the review of the Government Plan 2023-26 when scoping its review. |
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7. Any Other Business The Panel noted the intention of Deputy Alves to resign from the Panel. The Panel noted it would consider appointing further States Members to the Panel and that would be confirmed in due course. Any resignation and appointment of Members would follow the procedures as outlined within the Standing Orders of the States of Jersey. Standing Order 137 – Scrutiny Panel: Terms of Office and Resignation of Chair or Member and Standing Order 125 – Members of Scrutiny Panel: Appointment Process would be applied as appropriate. The Panel discussed the Westminster Visit and noted that this would be delayed until Quarter One 2023, due to recent matters for UK Parliament, the Panel agreed to that course of action. | KG/MM |
8. Next Meeting The Panel noted its next scheduled meeting was due to take place on 11th October 2022 at 10am. The Chair highlighted that he may not be able to attend that meeting and agreed to confirm his attendance in due course or to reschedule the meeting if necessary. | SM |
Date: 29th September 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair |
Apologies | Deputy Carina Alves |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Monique Magalhaes, Committee & Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer Ella Nicholls, Communications Officer Item 2 only: Deputy Ian Gorst , Minister for Treasury and Resources Deputy Steve Ahier , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources Connétable Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources Richard Bell, Treasurer of the States, Treasury and Exchequer Richard Summersgill, Comptroller, Treasury and Exchequer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources: Pre-Hearing discussion The Panel discussed and agreed the areas of questioning for the Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources scheduled to take place that day. |
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2. Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources The Panel received Deputy Ian Gorst , Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Steve Ahier , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources, Connétable Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources and Officers for the Quarterly Public Hearing at 12:30pm. The hearing was webcast live, recorded and transcribed. |
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3. Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources: Post- Hearing discussion The Panel discussed and agreed the areas to include in a social media release to communicate key areas of discussion that had taken place during the hearing. The Panel requested the Communications Officer to draft a social media release for the Chair's consideration and approval. The Panel recalled from the hearing that the Minister for Treasury and Resources had raised that the Chief Minister was or would be undertaking a review of the regime in respect of high-net-worth persons. The Panel requested for a letter to be drafted to the Minister for Treasury and Resources to request the terms of reference for the review and, in the absence of this, the rationale for the review being undertaken and the expected impact as a result of its findings. | EN KG/MM |
Date: 12th October 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mezec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Rob Ward Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Monique Magalhaes, Committee & Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer Ella Nicholls, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of its meetings held on 13th, 27th and 29th September 2022. | MM/JH |
2. Chair's Welcome to New Members The Chair noted the appointments of Deputy Rob Ward and Deputy Lyndon Farnham to the Panel as of 4th October 2022 and welcomed them. The Chair also noted the resignation of Deputy Carina Alves from the Panel as of the same date. |
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3. Public Hearing [Quarterly Witness: Chief Minister] The Panel noted and discussed the draft question plan for the quarterly public hearing with the Chief Minister scheduled for 13th October 2022 at 1pm. The Panel noted and agreed the Vice Chair's amendments to the draft question plan. The Panel discussed the questioning themes of the question plan and raised additional questions to be included. The Panel also agreed the order in which the questions would be asked and requested that changes be made to that effect within the final version of the question plan. The Panel approved the question plan subject to the amendments discussed and requested that the final version be shared with it prior to the hearing. | MM/JH MM/JH |
4. Review: Common Strategic Policy The Panel noted and discussed the Common Strategic Policy (CSP) lodged on 4th October 2022 for earliest debate on 22nd November 2022. The Panel agreed that it would not be conducting a scrutiny review on the CSP, and that consideration would be given to presenting a Comments Paper at a later date, should it be deemed appropriate. |
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5. Review: Government Plan 2023 – 2026 The Panel noted and discussed the Government Plan 2023-2026 [P.97/2022] lodged on 4th October 2022 for earliest debate on 13th December 2022. The Panel noted a confidential file note shared with it by the Scrutiny Liaison Committee (SLC) on Scrutiny's approach to the Government Plan on 3rd October 2022. The Panel noted the letter received from the Chief Minister by the SLC dated Friday 7th October 2022 on sharing of information with Scrutiny Panels regarding the Government Plan. The Panel requested for the letter to be shared with it following the meeting. The Panel noted and approved the Briefing Paper shared with it on the Panel's scrutiny approach of the Government Plan 2023 – 2026. The Panel noted the inclusion of the Net Revenue Expenditure Programmes and the Capital Projects in the Briefing Paper. The Chair requested that a letter be drafted to request the full business cases for the projects and programmes as a matter of urgency. The Panel agreed it would consider areas of focus for the review once it had received the full businesses cases for the projects and revenue programmes relevant to its remit. The Panel also noted and discussed an email communication received from the SLC in relation to previous recommendations made by the Comptroller and Auditor General pertinent to the Government Plan. The Panel agreed to send a letter to the Chief Minister requesting further information on the matter. The Panel discussed whether to engage an expert advisor for its review of the Government Plan. The Panel agreed to engage potential advisors for its review and requested the Officer to draft the engagement brief for its consideration and approval. The Panel noted that an expert advisor had been appointed by the previous Corporate Services Panel for the review of the Government Plan 2022-25. In the first instance, the Panel agreed to engage those advisors previously appointed to ascertain their interest regarding its review. It was agreed that a meeting would be arranged for the Panel to meet with the potential advisors as part of the engagement process. The Panel noted and approved the Scoping Document and Terms of Reference for the review. The Panel noted reference made within the Terms of Reference to the examination of the assumptions made for the economic forecasts and agreed it would maintain this aspect within its Terms of Reference. However, the Panel discussed whether the Economic and International Affairs (EIA) Panel may wish to review this aspect as it would fall under its remit. The Vice Chair noted that this would be raised at the next scheduled meeting of the EIA Panel. The Panel noted the stakeholder list provided within the Scoping Document and expressed interest in engaging young people during the review process. The Panel agreed to hold public review hearings with the Chief Minister and Minister for Treasury and Resources during the week beginning 7th of November 2022. Deputy Lyndon Farnham joined the meeting at 11.01am and the Panel briefed him on the agenda items discussed prior to his arrival. The Panel requested that briefings on the Government Plan be arranged for its consideration as appropriate. | MM/JH MM/JH MM/JH MM/JH MM/JH MA MM/JH MM/JH |
The Panel noted and approved the timeline for its review. |
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6. Public Services Ombudsperson Legislation The Panel noted and discussed the law drafting instructions received in confidence on 6th October 2022. The Panel noted the request regarding feedback from the Chair in his capacity as President of the SLC on the associated responsibilities highlighted within the law drafting instructions pertinent to the appointment and termination of the ombudsperson. The Panel agreed that the matter would be handled through the SLC. The Panel noted a briefing paper outlining the current progress of the workstream shared with it on 3rd October 2022. The Panel agreed to request a briefing on the law drafting instructions. | MM/JH |
7. Technology Accelerator Fund The Panel noted and discussed a letter dated 3rd October 2022 from the Economic and International Affairs (EIA) Panel to the Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture regarding the potential scrutiny approach of the Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF). The Panel discussed the financing of the TAF and whether the proposed funding would be considered by Ministers as a spend or an investment. The Panel noted and accepted the offer of a joint briefing with the EIA Panel on the TAF and requested for the briefing to be arranged. | MM/JH |
8. Work Programme The Panel discussed and agreed its 2022 work programme. The Panel agreed to send letters to both the Chief Minister and the Minister for Treasury and Resources requesting timelines of the relevant legislative programmes for 2023 as outlined within the published Proposed Ministerial Plans. The Panel noted that the Proposed Ministerial Plans confirmed that the Ombudsperson legislation was now expected during 2023, and the Panel agreed to adjust its work programme to reflect that. The Panel noted that the December quarterly hearings with the Chief Minister and Minister for Treasury and Resources would be rescheduled to Q1 2023. | MM/JH MM/JH |
8. States Business The Panel reviewed any recent Ministerial Decisions and Reports and considered any items of business in forthcoming States meetings falling within its remit to date. The Panel also considered any oral or written questions. It was agreed that no further action was required. |
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10. Declaration and Conflicts of Interest Considering the appointment of new Members to the Panel, Members were requested to declare any conflicts of interest. No conflicts of interest were declared. |
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11. Items for Communication The Panel discussed and agreed its digital and public engagement approach for the review of the Government Plan 2023-26. The Panel noted that its main route of engagement would be via requests for views and comments through its letters to targeted stakeholders as listed within the Panel's Scoping Document for the review. The Panel expressed its interest in engaging more young people, in particular those in sixth form as part of its review process. The Panel discussed potential ways in which to target youths including through meeting with the Jersey Youth Parliament and through drafting young-people accessible content to engage youths on the Government Plan process and the work of the Panel. The Panel agreed to engage targeted groups through social media. The Panel noted that the communications plan would evolve as the review progressed. The Panel agreed that it was not its intention to pursue focus groups or the use of a survey for its review. The Chair left the meeting at 11.46am and requested the Vice Chair to continue chairing the meeting in his absence. The Panel noted social media communications in relation to the upcoming quarterly public hearing with the Chief Minister on 13th October 2022. The Panel agreed to hold a meeting on 18th October 2022 at 11:30am to 12:30pm to discuss the Digital and Public Engagement plan for the Government Plan review in greater detail. The Panel requested the Communications Officer to draft an initial high- level communications plan to be presented at the meeting. | EN EN |
12. Any Other Business No areas of other business were noted. |
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13. Next Meeting In addition to the meeting that would be arranged for the 18th October 2022, the Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting would take place at 10am on Tuesday 25th October 2022 in the States Building, Blampied Room. |
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Date: 13th October 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Rob Ward Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
In attendance | Katie Griffiths, Committee & Panel Officer Monique Magalhaes, Committee & Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer Ella Nicholls, Communications Officer Item 2 only: Deputy Kristina Moore , Chief Minister Deputy Alexis Curtis , Assistant Chief Minister Connétable Andy Jehan , Assistant Chief Minister Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive Officer, Government of Jersey Tom Walker , Director General, Strategic, Policy, Planning and Performance Mark Grimley, Group Director, People Services |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Quarterly Hearing with the Chief Minister: Pre-Hearing discussion The Panel discussed and agreed the areas of questioning for the Quarterly Public Hearing with the Chief Minister scheduled to take place that day. |
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2. Quarterly Public Hearing with the Chief Minister The Panel received Deputy Kristina Moore , Chief Minister, Deputy Alex Curtis , Assistant Chief Minister, Connétable Andy Jehan , Assistant Chief Minister and Officers for the Quarterly Public Hearing at 1:00pm. The hearing was webcast live, recorded, and transcribed. |
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3. Quarterly Public Hearing with the Chief Minister: Post- Hearing discussion The Panel discussed and agreed key areas of the hearing to be included in media posts. The Panel requested the Communications Officer to draft a social media post on the agreed areas for the Chairs approval and release that day. The Communications Officer was also requested to draft a press release on the key areas discussed for the Chair's approval prior to being released thereafter. The Panel requested that the residual questions from the hearing be drafted as a letter for a written response by the Chief Minister. | EN MM/JH |
Date: 18th October 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Rob Ward Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
In attendance | Monique Magalhaes, Committee & Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer Ella Nicholls, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Government Plan 2023-26 Review The Panel received an update on the Digital and Public Engagement (DPE) Strategy from the Communications Officer. The Chair noted that the Government Plan 23-26 detailed three priority areas: Cost of living, Value for Money and Investing in Our Island. The Panel agreed that these would be used as overarching themes to direct the Panel's approach to DPE and the review. The Panel considered and discussed the areas of questioning to be included in the DPE targeted communications. The Panel agreed to the use of town pop-up stands and requested that an invitation be sent out to other Scrutiny Panels to offer a joint stand. The Panel agreed to hold stands in town, at Highlands College and at the Co-operative Grand Marche store, during the week of 31st October 2022. The Vice-Chair suggested that a video explaining the objectives of the review be recorded to engage the public. The Panel agreed and requested the Communications Officer to facilitate this. The Panel approved its overarching high level DPE strategy and accompanying budget of £250. | EN EN |
2. Public Services Ombudsperson The Panel noted an email received from a policy officer inviting the Panel to a private briefing on the public services ombudsperson law drafting instructions. The Panel accepted the invitation and agreed to hold the briefing on 31st October 2022. | MM |
Date: 21st October 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair |
Apologies | Deputy Rob Ward Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
In attendance | Monique Magalhaes, Committee & Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Government Plan 2023-26 Review The Panel considered and approved the advisor engagement brief for the review of the Government Plan 2023-26. The Panel requested that the Panel Officer proceed with the process of appointing an advisor. The Panel noted and considered options for its stakeholder engagement letters. The Panel agreed its template stakeholder letter and requested the Officer to send them out the following week. | MM JH |
Date: 25th October 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
Apologies | Deputy Rob Ward |
In attendance | Monique Magalhaes, Committee & Panel Officer Ella Nicholls, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on 12th and 13th October 2022. |
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2. Government Plan 2023-26 Review The Panel noted the launch of its review on Friday 21st October 2022. The Panel agreed to send out letters to targeted stakeholders to request comments in respect of its review noting a response deadline of 11th November 2022. The Panel noted the letter received from the Chief Minister in relation to its request to receive full business cases for the Government Plan programmes allocated to the Panel's remit. The Panel noted and discussed the full business cases received to date. The Panel requested the Officer to follow up whether the Government Plan Annex included a table in relation to the spend breakdown by Minister rather than by department. The Panel agreed that the Office Modernisation project would not be an area of focus for the Panel's review and instead should be allocated to the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel for its consideration. The Panel discussed further the focus areas for its review and agreed that the Information Technology programme would be an area of focus. The Panel noted the letter received from the Chief Minister in relation to the Comptroller and Auditor General's (C&AG) recommendations pertinent to the Government Plan process. The Panel agreed to send a follow up letter to the Chief Minister requesting supplementary information on the process that would be followed to further incorporate the C&AG's recommendations as indicated within the Chief Minister's letter to the Panel. The Panel agreed to write to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the C&AG to request their views and comments on the Government Plan 2023-26. The Panel requested that a meeting be arranged with the PAC to follow up, should the PAC share a submission with the Panel. | MM MM MM MM |
The Panel noted the technical briefing on the Government Plan 2023-26 scheduled for the following afternoon at 3:30pm. The Panel noted and discussed the advisor proposals received in respect of its advisor engagement process and agreed for a meeting to be arranged with potential advisors for the following morning at 10am. | MM |
3. Public Services Ombudsperson Legislation The Panel noted the briefing on the Public Services Ombudsperson legislation scheduled for 31st October 2022. |
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4. Technology Accelerator Programme The Panel noted the joint briefing and workshop with the Economic and International Affairs Panel in respect of the Technology Accelerator Programme scheduled for the 2nd and 4th November 2022, respectively. |
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5. States Business The Panel considered any Ministerial Decisions, Reports and forthcoming items of States Business relevant to its remit. The Panel noted the Ministerial Decision published in relation to the Public Services Ombudsperson legislation on 18th October 2022. The Panel agreed that no action was required in respect of upcoming States Business. |
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6. Work Programme The Panel noted the letters received from the Chief Minister and Minister for Treasury and Resources with regards to the legislative timelines for the proposed legislation for lodging and States' debate in 2023 as outlined within the Proposed Ministerial Plans. The Panel noted that the timelines provided would assist it in the planning of its work programme. |
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7. Items for Communication The Panel noted and discussed the developing Digital and Public Engagement Plan for the Panel's review of the Government Plan 2023-26. The Panel discussed and agreed the focus areas for its post cards for use on the town pop-up stands. The Panel also noted the timetable for the town pop-up stands and requested that the timetable be shared with the other Scrutiny Panels for their consideration. The Panel requested that a press release for the launch of its review be drafted for its consideration and approval. | EN EN |
8. Any Other Business The Panel noted and discussed the letter received from the Assistant Chief Minister, Deputy Lucy Stephenson , in relation to the Policy Inclusion Framework and agreed that no further action was required. The Panel noted and discussed the letter and Terms of Reference received from the Chief Minister in relation to the establishment of the Future Places Ministerial Group and agreed that no further action was required. |
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9. Next Meeting The Panel noted its next scheduled meeting was due to take place on 8th November 2022 at 10am in the Blampied Room, States Building. |
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Date: 26th October 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
Apologies | Deputy Rob Ward |
In attendance | Monique Magalhaes, Committee & Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research & Projects Officer Mr Warwick Lightfoot, Specialist Advisor (Item 1 only) |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Government Plan 2023-26 Review - Advisor Introduction The Panel met with Mr Lightfoot as part of its advisor procurement process for its review of the Government Plan 2023-26. Mr Lightfoot shared his experience and potential approach with the Panel in respect of the advisory role and noted that he had been engaged by the previous Panel for the review of the Government Plan 2022-25. The Panel discussed its expectations with regard to the potential advisory role for the review. The deliverables that would be needed to meet the Panel's requirements within the tight timeframe for the review was also discussed. Mr Lightfoot provided his availability, and fees for the review. |
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2. Post Advisor Introduction Discussion The Panel discussed the advisor introduction and agreed to appoint Mr Lightfoot to the advisory role for the review. The Panel requested the Officer to proceed with the appointment process. | MM |
Date: 31st October 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Rob Ward |
Apologies | Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
In attendance | Francis Walker , Head of Policy, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Paul Wylie, Group Director of Policy Monique Magalhaes, Committee & Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research & Projects Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Public Services Ombudsperson Briefing The Panel welcomed Officers Francis Walker , Head of Policy, and Paul Wylie, Group Director of Policy, for a private briefing on the Public Services Ombudsperson Legislation. The briefing was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35. |
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Date: 8th November 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair |
Apologies | Deputy Rob Ward Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
In attendance | Monique Magalhaes, Committee & Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer Ella Nicholls, Communications Officer Item 7 only: Warwick Lightfoot, Advisor Item 8 only: Deputy Kristina Moore , Chief Minister Deputy Alexis Curtis , Assistant Chief Minister Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive Officer, Government of Jersey Tom Walker , Director General, Strategic, Policy, Planning and Performance Andrew Hacquoil, Group Director, Strategic Finance |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on 18th, 21st, 25th and 26th October 2022. | JH |
2. Review: Cost of Living Mini Budget Review The Panel noted and discussed the Ministerial Response received in respect of the Panel's review. The Panel requested that a letter be drafted praising the Minister for Treasury and Resources for his timely response and, in particular, for his action in response to recommendation two. Additionally, the Panel agreed to request further clarification on why recommendation three had been partially accepted when the accompanying comments were inconsistent with a partial acceptance. | JH |
3. Public Services Ombudsperson Legislation The Panel noted the briefing received on 31st October 2022 and noted the file note that had been prepared. The Panel agreed that no immediate further action was required, however, anticipated further scrutiny of the legislation as work in the area progressed. |
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4. Technology Accelerator Programme |
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The Panel discussed the briefing and workshop received jointly with the Economic and International Affairs (EIA) Panel on the Technology Accelerator Programme. The Panel noted that a private file note on the briefing was being prepared by the EIA Panel and agreed that no immediate further action was required regarding the workstream. |
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5. States Business The Panel noted the intention for the ministerial responsibility of the Financial Services department to be transferred to the remit of the Minister for Treasury and Resources. The Panel discussed whether the transfer of Financial Services from the Minister for External Relations to the Minister for Treasury and Resources would result in the transfer of the scrutiny responsibilities for Financial Services to the Corporate Services Panel. The Officer explained that the scrutiny responsibilities would remain with the Economic and International Affairs Panel unless the Scrutiny Liaison Committee agreed otherwise. |
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6. Review: Government Plan 2023-26 The Panel received an update from the Officers on the progress of the Government Plan 2023-26 Review. The Panel noted that it had not yet received a response to its letter dated 27th October 2022 regarding the Comptroller and Auditor General recommendations pertinent to the Government Plan process. It was noted that a follow up email had been sent in that regard and that the letter would be shared with the Panel when received. In order for the Panel's Advisor to provide a briefing on his key findings in respect of the review, the Panel requested for a meeting to be scheduled with the Advisor on 16th November 2022, if possible. The Panel discussed the digital and public engagement activities undertaken thus far. It was noted that the town pop-up stands had been successful in respect of public engagement. The Panel agreed it would use the Grand Marche location in the future as it was an optimal location to engage with Islanders. | MM MM |
7. Government Plan 2023-26 Review Public Hearing with the Chief Minister: Pre- Hearing Discussion The Panel received a progress update in relation to the Advisor's review of the Government Plan 2023-26. The Panel discussed the areas of questioning provided by the Advisor for the Panel's consideration. The Panel discussed and agreed the areas of questioning for the Public Review Hearing with the Chief Minister scheduled to take place that day. |
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8. Government Plan 2023-26 Review Public Hearing with the Chief Minister The Panel received Deputy Kristina Moore , Chief Minister, Deputy Alex Curtis , Assistant Chief Minister, and Officers for the Public Review Hearing at 12:00pm. The hearing was webcast live, recorded, and transcribed. |
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9. Government Plan 2023-26 Review Public Hearing with the Chief Minister: Post- Hearing Discussion |
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The Panel discussed and agreed key areas of the hearing to be included in social media posts and requested the Communications Officer to draft a social media post on the agreed areas for the Chair's approval. The Panel requested that the residual questions from the hearing be drafted as a letter for a written response by the Chief Minister. | EN MM/JH |
Date: 11th November 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
Apologies | Deputy Rob Ward |
In attendance | Monique Magalhaes, Committee & Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer Hayley Lockhart, Communications Officer Leila Osman, Communications Officer Item 1 only: Warwick Lightfoot, Advisor Item 2 only: Deputy Ian Gorst , Minister for Treasury and Resources Connétable Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources Deputy Steve Ahier , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources Deputy Elaine Millar , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources Andrew Hacquoil, Group Director, Strategic Finance Richard Bell, Treasurer of the States of Jersey Cora O'Brien, Deputy Comptroller of Revenue Jersey Thomas Holvey, Chief Economic Advisor |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Government Plan 2023-26 Review Public Hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources: Pre-Hearing Discussion The Panel and its Advisor, Mr Lightfoot, discussed the Public Review Hearing held with the Chief Minister on 8th November 2022. In order for the Panel's Advisor to provide an update following his meetings with the Chief Statistician and the Chief Economic Advisor, the Panel requested that a meeting with the Advisor be scheduled for Monday 14th November 2022. The Panel's Advisor, Mr Lightfoot, left the meeting at this point. The Panel discussed and agreed the areas of questioning for the Public Review Hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources scheduled to take place that morning. The Chair noted that a two-minute's silence would be observed by all in attendance at the hearing at 11:00am in respect of Remembrance Day. | MM |
2. Government Plan 2023-26 Review Public Hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources |
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The Panel received Deputy Ian Gorst , Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Steve Ahier , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources, Elaine Millar , Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources, and Officers for the Public Review Hearing at 10:00am. The hearing was webcast live, recorded, and transcribed. |
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3. Government Plan 2023-26 Review Public Hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources: Post-Hearing Discussion The Panel noted the deadline for lodging of amendments to the Government Plan 2023 -26 of 28th November 2022 as a result of the States' sitting commencing a day earlier on 12th December 2022. The Panel recalled from the hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources that the Minister had highlighted he was considering proposals on how the Mortgage Interest Tax Relief mechanism could be positioned to support Islanders being impacted by rising interest rates through an amendment to the Government Plan 2023-26. Noting the Panel's previous discussions regarding a potential amendment in relation to the Mortgage Interest Tax Relief mechanism, the Panel agreed to request further information, in confidence, from the Minister in respect of his proposals as this would assist in informing the Panel's approach in that regard. The Panel discussed and agreed key areas of the hearing to be included in social media posts and requested the Communications Officer to draft a social media post on the agreed areas for the Chair's approval. The Panel requested that the residual questions from the hearing be drafted as a letter for a written response by the Minister. | MM HL MM/JH |
Date: 14th November 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Rob Ward |
Apologies | Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
In attendance | Warwick Lightfoot, Advisor Monique Magalhaes, Committee and Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Government Plan 2023-26 Review - Advisor Update Meeting The Panel welcomed its Advisor, Mr Warwick Lightfoot, for a progress update meeting on his analysis of the Government Plan 2023-26 for the Panel's review. The Panel's Advisor noted his meetings held with Jersey's Chief Economic Advisor and Jersey's Chief Statistician earlier that morning and discussed the key areas raised during those meetings with the Panel. The Advisor also discussed the key areas identified as a result of his analysis to date of the Government Plan 2023-26 and informed the Panel he would share a briefing note highlighting the areas ahead of the next scheduled Advisor meeting on 16th November 2022. The Panel thanked the Advisor for the progress update and the meeting ended. |
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Date: 16th November 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Rob Ward [Item 1 only] Deputy Lyndon Farnham [Item 1 only] |
In attendance | Monique Magalhaes, Committee and Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer Warwick Lightfoot, Advisor [Item 1 only] |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Government Plan 2023-26 Review – Advisor Briefing The Panel's Advisor, Mr Lightfoot, shared his briefing note with the Panel in respect of his analysis of the Government Plan 2023-26 and discussed its contents. The Advisor informed the Panel that the briefing note would form the framework for his final report which he anticipated to share with the Panel by 25th November 2022. Deputy Farnham left the meeting at 12:30pm. Deputy Rob Ward left the meeting at 12:40pm. The Panel thanked the Advisor and he withdrew from the meeting. |
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2. Government Plan 2023-26 Review Post-Briefing Discussion The Panel discussed whether it should proceed with drafting an amendment to the Government Plan 2023-26 in respect of the Mortgage Interest Tax Relief mechanism. Noting that confirmation had been received from the Minister for Treasury and Resources regarding an amendment he sought to propose utilising the same mechanism, the Panel discussed how it should proceed. Considering that no detail regarding the Minister's proposed amendment had been shared with the Panel to date, the Panel agreed that it would not proceed with the drafting of an amendment until further information had been received from the Minister to inform its approach. The Chair agreed to request further detail from the Minister for Treasury and Resources on his proposed direction in order to inform the Panel's decision going forward. The Panel noted a call for evidence submission received from Grant Thornton with regard to the proposed changes to stamp duty as reflected within the Draft Finance (2023 Budget) (Jersey) Law 202-. The Panel discussed the submission and the significant concerns raised. In the first instance, the Panel agreed to write to the Minister for Treasury and Resources to highlight the concerns and request an urgent response. | SM MM/JH |
The Panel discussed reporting options for its review of the Government Plan 2023-26 and agreed that it would produce a full Scrutiny Report which could include overarching Panel recommendations as appropriate. | MM/JH |
Date: 29th November 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Rob Ward Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
In attendance | Monique Magalhaes, Committee and Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer Ben Sandeman, Senior Policy Officer [Item 8 only] |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on 31st October and 8th, 11th, 14th and 16th November 2022. | JH |
2. Review: Cost of Living Mini Budget Review The Panel noted it had not yet received a response from the Minister for Treasury and Resources to its letter dated 9th November 2022 regarding the Ministerial Response received in respect of the Panel's Mini-Budget review (S.R19/2022). The Panel expressed its disappointment and frustration at the significant delay in receiving timely responses from the Ministerial Office. |
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3. Review: Government Plan 2023-26 The Panel noted that it had not yet received responses from the Minister for Treasury and Resources to two of its letters in respect of its Government Plan review. The Panel noted the Advisor's final report which was received on 25th November 2022. The Panel discussed its draft report and key findings and recommendations. The Panel agreed the body of the report excluding the executive summary and conclusion in order for the fact checking process to commence the following day with a deadline to receive any comments by 2nd December 2022. The Panel discussed its key findings and recommendations and requested some minor amendments to be made. The Panel noted that the amended findings and recommendations would be shared with the Panel for approval prior to its next meeting scheduled for 6th December 2022. The Panel expressed its thanks to the Officers for their work on the Report. | MM |
The Chair agreed to provide his Chair's Foreword for the Report by 5th December 2022. The Panel noted that the Minister for Treasury and Resources had not lodged an amendment utilising the Mortgage Interest Tax Relief mechanism, which had been raised during the public review hearing with the Minister for Treasury and Resources on 11th November 2022. The Panel expressed its frustration as it had intended to further investigate bringing an amendment of its own but had halted such investigation as to avoid a duplication of efforts. The Panel noted that the final Report would be shared with it prior to its next meeting on 6th December 2022 for final approval. It was agreed that the Report would be presented to States Members on 7th December 2022 ahead of the States' debate the following week on 13th December 2022. | SM MM |
4. States Business The Panel noted and discussed recent Ministerial Decisions and Reports within its remit and noted that no further action was required. |
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5. Items for Communication The Panel noted that a press release to highlight the publication of its Government Plan 2023-26 review Report would be drafted for its consideration and approval ahead of publication the following week. | EN |
6. Meeting Dates The Panel discussed and agreed the proposed Panel meeting dates as well as the quarterly public hearing dates with the Chief Minister and Minister for Treasury and Resources for 2023. The Panel requested the Officers to confirm the quarterly public hearing dates with the Ministerial Office. It was noted that once confirmed, the dates would be added to the calendar. | MM |
7. Any Other Business The Panel noted a letter received from the Assistant Chief Minister, Deputy Stephenson , regarding the publication of the Engagement and Information Improvement Report (R.163/2022). The Panel agreed to request a briefing from the Assistant Chief Minister on the report for January 2023. | MM |
8. Briefing: Draft Probate (Amendment) Jersey Law 202- The Panel noted the Comments Paper lodged by the previous Corporate Services Panel on the Draft Probate (Amendment) Jersey Law 202-. The Panel welcomed Ben Sandeman, Senior Policy Officer, for a briefing on the Draft Probate (Amendment) Jersey Law 202-. The briefing was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35. The Panel discussed the anticipated timeline for the lodging of the Draft Probate (Amendment) Jersey Law 202- and agreed to produce Comments for presentation prior to the States' Debate on the Draft Law. The Panel agreed it would consider the workstream further once the legislation was lodged. | MM/JH |
9. Next Meeting The Panel noted its next scheduled meeting would take place at 10:00am on Tuesday 6th December 2022 in the States Building, Blampied Room. The Panel also noted that its final meeting for 2022 was scheduled for 20th December and agreed to decide at its meeting on 6th December whether the meeting would be required to go ahead as scheduled. |
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Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel
Record of Meeting
Date: 6th December 2022
Present | Deputy Sam Mézec , Chair Deputy Max Andrews , Vice Chair Deputy Rob Ward Deputy Lyndon Farnham |
In attendance | Monique Magalhaes, Committee and Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer Ella Nicholls, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Review: Government Plan 2023-26 The Panel noted and discussed the comments received during the fact-checking process and agreed to the proposed changes. The Panel agreed to publish the final Scrutiny Report on 7th December 2022. | MM |
2. Draft Probate (Amendment) Jersey Law 202- The Panel noted and discussed the briefing received on the Draft Probate (Amendment) Jersey Law 202- on 29th November 2022 and agreed to draft Comments once the proposition had been lodged. |
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3. States Business The Panel noted any relevant Ministerial Decisions and Reports within its remit and agreed that no further action was required. |
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4. Items for Communication The Panel discussed its focal areas for the press release to highlight the publication of its Government Plan 2023-26 review Report. The Panel requested that the Communications Officer redraft the press release to reflect the areas discussed. | EN |
5. Meeting Dates The Panel noted the confirmed quarterly public hearing dates for 2023. |
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6. Any Other Business The Panel noted the briefing scheduled regarding the Engagement and Information Improvement Report (R.163/2022) on 10th January 2023. |
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The Panel also noted the progress to the Financial Stability Board legislation and agreed to request a briefing from the Chief Minister in Q1 2023. |
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7. Next Meeting The Panel agreed to cancel its next scheduled meeting which was due to take place at 10:00am on Tuesday 20th December 2022. The Panel noted its next meeting was due to take place at 10:00am on Tuesday 10th January 2023. | MM |