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Approved Panel Minutes - Environment, Housing and Infrastructure - 2022 (Post-Election)

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Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel

Records of Meetings 2022

The following records of meetings have been approved by the Panel. Signed

Chair

Deputy Steve Luce

Date:  27th July 2022

 

Present

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair Connétable Mike Jackson Deputy Robert Ward

In attendance

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer

Apologies

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

 

Agenda matter

Action

1. Procedural and Administrative Matters

Deputy Robert Ward was appointed Vice Chair of the Panel.

It was agreed that regular Panel meetings would be held on Wednesday mornings between 9.30-11:30am with exception to States' sitting weeks. The Officer was requested to circulate outlook calendar invitations to this effect.

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).

NH

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.

 

3. Working Practices

The Panel agreed that the default would be for meetings to be held on Teams 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.

 

4. Scrutiny Member training

The Panel noted various opportunities for external training to be provided, including effective scrutiny, Chair training, media training and Microsoft Teams training.

The Panel welcomed the opportunity to visit the House of Commons in Westminster and the Officer was requested to make the necessary enquiries, including whether the visit could be extended to the London Assembly as well.

NH

 

5. Work programme

The Panel noted the Legacy Report of the former Panel (S.R.15/2022) and in particular, the suggestions for future scrutiny work. The Panel also discussed various policy matters and upcoming propositions which it would benefit from querying with Ministers and receiving briefing updates on. It was noted that both the mini budget' and the Food (Jersey) Law 202- were anticipated to be lodged imminently in the States.

The Panel agreed that, in the first instance, it would be beneficial to receive briefing updates, in writing, on current and ongoing Government workstreams, as well as to ascertain Ministers' priorities for the next six months. Accordingly, the Officer was requested to draft a letter to each relevant Minister requesting a briefing update in writing, and for meetings with Ministers to be provisionally scheduled for September once the Panel had received the initial written updates.

The Panel discussed the Government of Jersey's upcoming renewal of the bus contract  and  the  Officer  was  requested  to  arrange  a  separate  briefing  from Government Officers and the Minister for Infrastructure on the development of a new bus contract.

NH

NH

6. Site visits / briefings with the relevant Ministers and Departments

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.

 

7. Future Meetings

It was agreed that the Panel's next scheduled meeting would take place, if required, on 17th August via Microsoft Teams.

 

Date: 7th September 2022

 

Present

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair Deputy Robert Ward Connétable Michael Jackson

Apologies

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

In attendance

Item 2 only

Deputy Jonathan Renouf , Minister for the Environment

Deputy Hilary Jeune , Assistant Minister for the Environment

Andrew Scate, Director General of Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Louise Magris, Head of Sustainability and Foresight, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department

Mark Richardson, Private Secretary to the Minister for the Environment

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer

Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer

 

Agenda matter

 Action

1. Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the record of the meeting held on the 27th July 2022.

 

2. Informal meeting with the Minister for the Environment  

The Panel discussed a letter of response from the Minister for the Environment to its recent letter regarding current workstreams and Ministerial priorities.

The Panel received the Minister for the Environment, Assistant Minister for the Environment  and  Officers  for  an  informal  introductory  meeting  to  discuss workstream updates and ministerial priorities. The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35.

 

3. Informal meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure  

The Panel discussed a letter of response from the Minister for Infrastructure to its recent letter regarding current workstreams and Ministerial priorities and noted that it would meet with the Minister on Thursday 22nd September.

 

4. Public Quarterly Hearing Schedule  

The Panel noted and approved the proposed Quarterly Hearing Schedule dates with  the  Ministers  for  the  Environment;  Infrastructure;  and  Housing  and Communities. The Officer was requested to confirm the dates with Ministers and

  circulate invitations via Microsoft Outlook as soon as possible.

NH

5. Andium Homes Meeting and Visit  

 

 

The Panel discussed a recent invitation from Andium Homes to meet and visit current housing projects under development. It was agreed that this would be a good opportunity to learn more about the affordable housing provider's activities and to ask questions about housing policy.

The Officer was requested to liaise with Andium Homes to accept the invitation and make the necessary arrangements. The Panel also requested that Andium Homes provide a list of current developments, as well as projected timelines for each build.

It was further discussed that meetings with other stakeholder bodies relevant to the Panel's remit would be beneficial and the Officer was requested to liaise with Jersey Water to arrange a meeting to discuss future water storage strategy and Jersey Electricity to arrange a meeting to discuss the current global energy crisis and impact on Jersey and delivery of the Carbon Neutral Roadmap.

NH

NH

6. Soil health – email correspondence from a member of the public

The Panel discussed recent email correspondence from a member of the public regarding concerns relating to soil health and the disposal of plasterboard. The Officer was requested to liaise with the Department for Infrastructure, Housing and Environment to respond to the concerns raised.  

NH

7. Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9.30am on Wednesday 14th September 2022.

 

Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel

Record of Meeting

Date:   14th September 2022

 

Present

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair Deputy Robert Ward Connétable Michael Jackson

Apologies

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

In attendance

Item 2 only

Deputy Tom Binet , Minister for Infrastructure

Deputy Steve Ahier , Assistant Minister for Infrastructure

Andrew Scate, Director General of Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Christopher Rondel, Private Secretary to the Minister for Infrastructure

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer

 

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the record of the meeting held on the 7th September 2022.

 

2.  Informal meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure

The Panel discussed a letter of response from the Minister for Infrastructure to its recent letter regarding current workstreams and Ministerial priorities.

The Panel received the Minister for Infrastructure, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Director General of Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department for an informal  introductory  meeting  to  discuss  workstream  updates  and  ministerial priorities. The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35.

 

3.  Effective Scrutiny Training Day

The Panel noted that training had been organised for all scrutiny and non-executive States Members for 30th September on Effective Scrutiny' and that further details would follow within the next week.

NH

4.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9.30am on Wednesday 28th September 2022. Connétable Jackson noted he would be unable to attend the first Quarterly Public Hearing scheduled for the 26th October.

 

Date: 28th September 2022  

 

Present

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair Deputy Robert Ward , Vice-Chair Connétable Michael Jackson Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

In attendance

Item 2 only

Stewart Petrie, Environmental Health Consultant, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Kelly Whitehead, Group Director – Regulation, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Caroline Maffia, Assistant Director - Environmental Health , Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Item 3 only

Deputy David Warr , Minister for Housing and Communities

Natasha Day, Head of Strategic Housing and Regeneration, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department

Carly Cudlipp, Private Secretary to the Minister for Housing and Communities

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer

 

 Agenda matter

 Action

1. Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the record of the meeting held on the 14th September 2022.

 

2. Briefing: Draft Food (Jersey) Law 202-

The Panel received Stewart Petrie (Environmental Health Consultant),

Kelly Whitehead (Group Director – Regulation) and Caroline Maffia (Assistant Director of Environmental Health) for an informal briefing on the Draft Food (Jersey) Law 202- which was due to be lodged in the States imminently.

The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35.

Following the briefing, the Panel agreed to seek the views of Jersey Chamber of Commerce and Jersey Hospitality Association on the proposition once lodged and publicly accessible on the States Assembly website.

The Officer was requested to arrange a further briefing on the structure of the regulation team within the Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department, including its compliance and enforcement functions.

NH NH

 

 

 

3. Informal meeting with the Minister for Housing and Communities  

The Panel discussed a letter of response from the Minister for Housing and Communities to its recent letter regarding current workstreams and ministerial priorities.

The Panel received the Minister for Housing and Communities and the Head of Strategic Housing and Regeneration for an informal introductory meeting to further discuss workstream updates and ministerial priorities. The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35.

 

4. Government Plan 2023  

The Panel discussed the timeline for its upcoming review of the Government Plan 2023-26. It was noted that the proposition was due to be lodged in the States on the 4th of October at the same time as the Common Strategic Policy and that presentation of the Ministerial Plans would follow on the 11th of October.

It was noted that with the States' debate scheduled for December 2022, the timescale for the review was compressed and was particularly dependent on timely delivery of further information within the annex to the Government Plan being made publicly available for the Panel to gather any stakeholder views.

 

5. Work Programme  

The Panel noted and discussed its upcoming work programme and agreed to add a list of additional potential review topics once Ministerial Plans had been published confirming priority policy areas.

 

6. Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9.30am on Wednesday 12th of October.

 

Date: 12th October 2022

 

Present

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair Deputy Robert Ward

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

Connétable Michael Jackson

In attendance

Andrew Harris , Principal Committee and Panel Officer

Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer

 

Agenda matter

 Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the record of the meeting held on the 28th September 2022.

 

2.  Government Plan 2023-26 Review

The Panel discussed the briefing paper prepared by the Officer on the Government Plan 2023-2026. The Panel noted the additional revenue programmes and capital projects that fell within the Panel's remit, as well as the various funding proposals for States' Funds:

Climate Emergency Fund (including proposals to freeze Road Fuel Duty)

Jersey Car Parking Trading Fund

Jersey Fleet Management Trading Fund

The Panel noted that it was awaiting publication of the Annex with the breakdown of planned expenditure and summary business cases to fully consider the proposals.

The Panel observed on page 6 of the briefing paper that on the Detailed New Revenue Expenditure Growth table there was little to no change in the allocated amounts for the programmes assigned to the Panel to review over the course of the Government Plan.

The Panel queried whether the Office Modernisation Capital Project fell under its remit. It was noted that the Panel's Committee and Officer would clarify this at its next meeting.

NH

3.  Draft Food (Jersey) Law 202- Review

The Panel noted that the proposition was now due to be lodged within the next few weeks for States' debate in December 2022.

The Panel agreed that once the proposition was lodged it would contact key stakeholders for their comment on the draft Law.

NH

 

4.  Work programme

The  Panel  discussed  potential  review  topics  to  include  in  its  future  work programme, including electricity supply capacity and social housing policy.

It was agreed that Panel members would come to the following meeting with any other additional topics of interest.

The Panel discussed its upcoming visits and meeting with Andium Homes and agreed it would be beneficial to prepare questions prior to the meeting, particularly around current housing stock and future plans.  

The Panel requested the Officer arrange a briefing on the Blue Carbon Resources report that was published by the Government of Jersey on the 5th of October.

The Panel briefly discussed the need to enquire about the current status of Jersey's compliance with the Vienna Convention with the Minister for Infrastructure and whether the Island was on track with meeting its obligations.

NH

NH

5.  Jersey Youth Parliament campaigns  

The  Panel  noted  that  housing  was  one  of  the  Youth  Parliament's  chosen campaigns and that it would be good to engage with them further in their work. It was  noted  that  it  would  also  be  a  good  opportunity  to  further  educate schoolchildren on the role and purpose of scrutiny.

 

6.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was an informal meeting in private on Wednesday 19th October at 9.30am. The next formal meeting in private was scheduled for Wednesday 26th October 2022 at 9.30am. The Panel noted that Deputy Le Hegarat would not be present at the meeting on the 19th of October.

 

Date: 19th October 2022

 

Present

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair Deputy Robert Ward , Vice-Chair Connétable Michael Jackson

Apologies

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

In attendance

Item 2 only

Kelly Whitehead, Group Director – Regulation, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Michelle Humphreys-Foott, Head of Regulatory Improvement and Licencing, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Item 3 only

Deputy Jonathan Renouf , Minister for the Environment

Deputy Hilary Jeune , Assistant Minister for the Environment

Louise Magris, Head of Sustainability and Foresight, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department

Lisette Jones, Senior Policy Officer, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department

Mark Richardson, Private Secretary to the Minister for the Environment

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer

 

 Agenda matter

 Action

1.  Government Plan 2023-26 Review

The Panel discussed and approved the draft Scoping Document and Terms of Reference for its Government Plan 2023-26 Review.

The Officer was requested to seek final approval from the Scrutiny Liaison Committee prior to the launch of the review which was scheduled for the following week.

NH

2.  Briefing: Regulation Directorate Structure  

The Panel received Kelly Whitehead (Group Director – Regulation) and Michelle Humphreys-Foott (Head of Regulatory Improvement and Licencing) for an informal briefing on the structure of the Regulation Directorate.

The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26.

 

3.  Briefing: Climate Emergency Fund Government Plan 2023-26 Proposals

 

 

The Panel received the Minister for the Environment, Assistant Minister for the Environment and Officers for an informal briefing to discuss the Climate Emergency Fund Government Plan 2023-26 Proposals.

The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35.

 

Date: 26th October 2022

 

Present

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair Deputy Robert Ward

Apologies

Connétable Michael Jackson Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

In attendance

Item 2 only

Deputy David Warr , Minister for Housing and Communities

Natasha Day, Head of Strategic Housing and Regeneration, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department

Sue Duhamel, Associate Director Social Security, Population and Housing Policy, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department

Carly Cudlipp, Private Secretary to the Minister for Housing and Communities

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer

 

 Agenda matter

 Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on the 12th and 19th October 2022.

 

2.  Public Quarterly Hearing – Minister for Housing and Communities

The Panel discussed the question plan for the upcoming hearing with the Minister for Housing and Communities scheduled for that morning.

The Panel received Deputy David Warr , Minister for Housing and Communities and Officers for a public quarterly hearing. The proceedings were streamed live to the public and a recording was taken so that a written transcript could be produced.

 

3.  Government Plan 2023-26 Review

The Panel received an update from the Committee and Panel Officer on the status of its Government Plan 2023-26 review.

The Panel confirmed its attendance at the Government Plan 2023-26 review public engagement pop-up stands which were due to take place the following week.

The Panel approved the draft stakeholder letters and requested the Officer circulate letters that afternoon (26th of October) with a deadline for receiving responses by Friday 11th November.

 

 

 

 

4.  Work Programme

The Panel discussed potential review topics to include in its future work programme, including electricity supply capacity, waste management across the island and social housing provision.

The Officer was requested to arrange a briefing from the Minister for Infrastructure to discuss the current management of the Island's waste.

NH

5.  Sea defences – safety improvements

The Panel discussed the recent news release from the Minister for Infrastructure which related to safety improvements to sea defences at St. Aubin.

It was agreed to question the Minister for Infrastructure on this topic at the upcoming public quarterly hearing on 16th November 2022.

 

6.  Supplementary planning guidance – restrictions on development of larger homes

The Panel discussed recent correspondence from the Minister for the Environment in relation to proposed Supplementary Planning Guidance to restrict the number of larger homes that could be built.

The Panel agreed to question the Minister for the Environment on this topic at the upcoming public quarterly hearing on 7th December 2022.

 

7.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 9th of November at 9.30am.

 

Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel

Record of Meeting

Date: 9th November 2022

 

Present

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair Connétable Michael Jackson Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

Apologies

Deputy Robert Ward , Vice-Chair

In attendance

Item 2 only

Deputy Jonathan Renouf , Minister for the Environment

Kelly Whitehead, Group Director - Regulation, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Francis Walker , Head of Governance Policy, Cabinet Office

Deanne Bratch, Head of Finance Business Partnering, Interim

Mark Richardson, Private Secretary to the Minister for the Environment

Item 3 only

Deputy Tom Binet , Minister for Infrastructure

Piers Tharme, Recycling Manager

Richard Fauvel, Head of Solid Waste and Recovery

Ellen Littlechild, Group Director, Operations and Transport

Alan Langlois, Managing Director at AAL Recycling

Christopher Rondel, Private Secretary to the Minister for Infrastructure

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer

Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer

 

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the record of the meeting held on the 26th October 2022.

 

2.  Public Government Plan Review Hearing – Minister for the Environment

The Panel discussed the question plan for the upcoming hearing with the Minister for the Environment scheduled for that morning.

The Panel received Deputy Jonathan Renouf , Minister for the Environment and Officers for a public quarterly hearing. The proceedings were streamed live to the public and a recording was taken so that a written transcript could be produced.

 

3.  Panel Visit to Household Reuse and Recycling Centre

The Panel discussed its upcoming visit to the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC) and Green Waste Facilities that was scheduled for that afternoon and the questions it would raise during the visit.

 

The Panel visited La Collette later that afternoon and was given a tour of the various waste facilities from Government Officers and the Minister for Infrastructure which included:

  • HRRC upper and lower yard
  • Waste Metal Facility & Clinical Incinerator
  • Green Waste Facility
  • Inert Wash Plant

The Panel thanked officers and the Minister for their time, and it was noted that a further Panel briefing was scheduled for 7th December 2023 to discuss waste operations and future strategy.

 

4.  Government Plan 2023-26 review

The Panel received an update from the Committee and Panel Officer on the status of its Government Plan 2023-26 review. It was noted that several submissions had been received and uploaded to the review page on the States Assembly website. The deadline for submissions was noted as Friday 11th November 2022.

The  Panel  discussed  the  upcoming  public  review  hearing  with  the  Minister  for Infrastructure, and it was agreed to combine the Government Plan 2023-26 review questioning with the upcoming public quarterly hearing which was scheduled for 16th November 2022.

 

5.  Work programme

The Panel discussed potential review topics to include in its future work programme, including electricity supply capacity, waste management across the island, as well as social housing provision.

It was noted that the Panel had upcoming meetings with stakeholders including Jersey Electricity, Jersey Water and Andium Homes to further scope out the potential for any future reviews.

 

6.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was an informal meeting due to take place at 9.30am on Wednesday 16th November 2022. Deputy Le Hegarat noted she would be unable to attend this meeting.

 

Date: 16th November 2022    

 

Present  

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair   Deputy Robert Ward , Vice-Chair Connétable Michael Jackson   Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

In attendance  

Item 1 only  

Deputy Tom Binet , Minister for Infrastructure  

Deputy Steve Ahier , Assistant Minister for Infrastructure

Tim Daniels, Director of Property, Jersey Property Holdings

Ellen Littlechild, Group Director - Operations and Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Item 2 only

Chris Ambler, Chief Executive, Jersey Electricity Phil Austin, Chair, Jersey Electricity

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer  

Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer  

 

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Public Quarterly Hearing – Minister for Infrastructure

The Panel discussed and agreed the question plan for the upcoming hearing with the Minister for Infrastructure scheduled for that morning.

The Panel received Deputy Jonathan Renouf , Minister for the Environment, and Officers for a public quarterly hearing. The proceedings were streamed live to the public and a recording was taken so that a written transcript could be produced.

 

2.  Panel meeting with Jersey Electricity

The Panel received Chris Ambler (Chief Executive, Jersey Electricity) and Phil Austin (Chair, Jersey Electricity) for an informal meeting to understand Jersey Electricity's operations, their supply systems, their views on the current global energy market crisis and the impact this would have on Jersey.

The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26.

The Officer was requested to arrange a visit of Jersey Electricity's Powerhouse for the beginning of 2023.

NH

Date: 18th November 2022    

 

Present  

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair   Deputy Robert Ward , Vice-Chair

Apologies

Connétable Michael Jackson   Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

In attendance  

Helier Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Jersey Water

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer  Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer  

 

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Panel meeting with Jersey Water  

The Panel received Helier Smith (Chief Executive Officer, Jersey Water) for an informal meeting to understand Jersey Water's operations, their supply and storage systems and future long-term water strategy.

The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26.

The Officer was requested to arrange a visit of Jersey Water's desalination plant for the beginning of 2023.

NH

Date: 30th November 2022    

 

Present  

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair   Connétable Michael Jackson   Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

Apologies

Deputy Robert Ward , Vice-Chair

In attendance  

Item 2 only

Paul Chambers, Head of Marine Resources, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

William Peggie, Group Director - Natural Environment, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Item 3 only

Deputy Hilary Jeune , Assistant Minister for the Environment

Louise Magris, Head of Sustainability and Foresight, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department

Lisette Jones, Senior Policy Officer, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer  Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer  

 

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on 9th, 16th, and 18th November 2022.

 

2.  Briefing: Blue Carbon Research

The Panel received Paul Chambers (Head of Marine Resources) and William Peggie (Group Director – Natural Environment) for an informal briefing on the recent publication regarding Blue Carbon.

The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35.

 

3.  Briefing: Proposed Climate Change Council

The Panel received Deputy Hilary Jeune , Assistant Minister for the Environment and officers  for  an  informal  briefing  on  proposed  options  for  the  establishment  of  an independent climate council following the successful adoption of the previous Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel's amendment to the Carbon Neutral Roadmap.

 

 

The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 36.

 

4.  Government Plan 2023-26 Review

The Panel agreed to consider a draft comments paper and respond to the Officer by email with approval by midday on Thursday 1st December 2022. It was anticipated that the comments paper would be presented to States Members on Thursday 8th December 2022.

 

5.  Draft Food (Jersey) Law 202-

The Panel discussed and agreed a draft comments paper with a view to presenting the comments on Friday 2nd December 2022, to enable suitable time for the Minister for the Environment to consider the Panel's comments and respond before the States' debate.

NH

6.  Draft Public Health and Safety (Rented Dwellings) (Jersey) Law 202- - Licensing Regulations

The Panel noted the recent announcement from the Minister for the Environment regarding his intention to lodge a draft proposition in early 2023. The Panel agreed it would question the Minister for the Environment at the public quarterly hearing on how the upcoming proposition would differ to previous propositions which had been defeated by the former States Assembly. The Panel would then take a view on how to approach any potential review of the draft proposition once it was lodged.

NH

7.  2023 Meeting and Quarterly Hearing Dates

The Panel noted and approved the proposed meeting and quarterly hearing dates for 2023. The Officer was requested to confirm the quarterly hearing dates with Ministers and circulate invitations via Microsoft Outlook as soon as possible.

NH

8.  Meetings with Jersey Water and Jersey Electricity

The Panel debriefed on the discussions and points raised at recent meetings held with Jersey Water and Jersey Electricity. The Officer was requested to organise visits to Jersey Electricity Powerhouse and the Jersey Water desalination plant for the beginning of 2023.

NH

9.  Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination

The Panel agreed to add questioning on PFAS to the question plan for the public quarterly hearing which was due to take place the following week with the Minister for the Environment. Given the cross-cutting nature of the topic with the Health and Social Security  Panel,  the  Chair  would  also  raise  the  topic  at  the  next  Scrutiny  Liaison Committee meeting.

SL

10. Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled formal meeting was due to take place at 9.30am on Wednesday 7th December 2022.

 

Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel

Record of Meeting

Date: 7th December 2022  

 

Present  

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair   Deputy Robert Ward , Vice-Chair Connétable Michael Jackson  

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

In attendance  

Item 1 only

Deputy Jonathan Renouf , Minister for the Environment

Deputy Hilary Jeune , Assistant Minister for the Environment

Kelly Whitehead, Group Director - Regulation, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Kevin Pilley, Head of Place and Spatial Planning, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department

Mark Richardson, Private Secretary to the Minister for the Environment

Item 2 only

Deputy Tom Binet , Minister for Infrastructure

Ellen Littlechild, Group Director, Operations and Transport

Andrew Scate, Director General of Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Louise Magris, Head of Sustainability and Foresight, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer  Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer  

 

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Public Quarterly Hearing – Minister for the Environment

The Panel discussed the question plan for the upcoming hearing with the Minister for the Environment scheduled for that morning.

The Panel received Deputy Jonathan Renouf , Minister for the Environment, Deputy Hilary Jeune , Assistant Minister for the Environment and officers for a public quarterly hearing. The proceedings were streamed live to the public and a recording was taken so that a written transcript could be produced.

 

2.  Briefing: Waste

The Panel received Deputy Tom Binet , Minister for Infrastructure, and government officers for a private briefing on waste operations and future waste strategy.

The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 36.

 

 

The Officer was requested to arrange a suitable date for a visit to the new Sewage Treatment Works.

NH

3.  Government Plan 2023-26 Review

The Panel discussed and agreed the final draft comments paper. The Officer advised that the comments paper would be presented to States Members before the deadline of midday on Thursday 8th December 2022.

NH

4.  Draft Food (Jersey) Law 202-

The  Panel  noted  the  presentation  of the  Panel's  comments  paper  on  Friday  2nd December 2022. No response to the Panel's recommendations had yet been received from the Minister for the Environment.

 

5.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was an informal meeting due to take place at 9.30am on Wednesday 21st December 2022. Deputy Le Hegarat noted she would be unable to attend this meeting.

 

Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel

Record of Meeting

Date: 21st December 2022  

 

Present

Deputy Steve Luce , Chair Deputy Robert Ward , Vice-Chair Connétable Michael Jackson

Apologies

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat

In attendance

Item 2 only

Paul Chambers, Head of Marine Resources, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Francis Binney, Marine Scientist, Infrastructure, Housing and Environment Department

Matthew Berry, Legal Adviser, Law Officers Department

Nikita Hall , Committee and Panel Officer

Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer

 

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel agreed to defer approval of the records of the meetings held on the 30th November and 7th December until its next meeting on Wednesday 11th January 2023.  

 

2.  Briefing: Marine Resources

The Panel received Paul Chambers (Head of Marine Resources), Matthew Berry (Legal Adviser)  and  Francis  Binney  (Marine  Scientist)  for  an  informal  briefing  on  Marine Resources and, in particular, the Draft Sea Fisheries (TCA – Licensing of Fishing Boats) (Amendment of Law and Regulations – No.2) (Jersey) Regulations 202-.

The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 36.

 

3.  Government Plan 2023-26 review

It was agreed to defer the Panel's reflection on the review until a response had been received  from  Ministers  in  relation  to  the  recommendations  made  in  the  Panel's comments paper. The Officer advised that a response was anticipated by Ministers by 19th January 2023.

 

4.  Draft Food (Jersey) Law 202-

The  Panel  debriefed  following  the  States'  debate  and  noted  the  Minister  for  the Environment had responded to the Panel's recommendations in his own comments presented to the States Assembly prior to the debate.

 

5.  Waste briefing – Panel debrief

The  Panel  debriefed  following  its  meeting  with   Deputy  Tom   Binet ,  Minister  for Infrastructure, and government officers on waste operations and future waste strategy.

 

The Panel recalled the invitation made by the Minister and officers to visit the new Sewage  Treatment  Works.  The  officer  advised  that  a  provisional  date  had  been circulated to the Minister and officers and was awaiting confirmation.

 

6.  Work programme

The Panel discussed potential review topics to include in its future work programme, including electricity supply capacity, waste management across the island, as well as social housing provision.

 

7.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9.30am on Wednesday 11th January 2023.