The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
States Greffe: Scrutiny
Deputy Susie Pinel
Minister for Treasury and Resources
By email
2nd March 2022 Dear Minister,
Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel
COVID Response & Recovery Review – Co-Funded Payroll Scheme Repayment Policy
I refer to your letter dated 11th February 2022 in which you advised the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel [the Panel] that 189 members of the public were challenging requests to repay funds to the Co-Funded Payroll Scheme. The letter also highlighted to the Panel that repayments had been revised for 12 individuals and that 7 individuals repayments had been cancelled.
The Panel have since received concerning evidence from self-employed islanders and sole trading businesses in relation to the repayment requests being demanded under the Co-Funded Payroll Scheme (the Payroll Scheme). The main issues that are evidenced in these submissions appear to reference:
• Disputes in comparisons used to determine average monthly income specifically in reference to Gross' and Nett' calculations
• Lack of clarity in repayment correspondence and calculations
• Short timetable for repayments to be appealed
• Hostile and accusatory communication with applicants questioning repayments
• Lack of reasonable timeframe under which repayments could be achieved
• Lack of personal support or dialogue
It is evident from the information received by the Panel that self-employed islanders and sole trading businesses have been subject to significant anguish and stress over this matter. The Panel would be grateful if you could highlight how you are instructing officers to resolve the issues highlighted in this letter.
The Panel look forward to your formal response and would request this information be received by Monday 7th March 2022.
Yours sincerely
Senator Kristina Moore
Chair, Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel
cc. Chair – Public Accounts Committee
States Greffe: Scrutiny | Morier House | St Helier | Jersey | JE1 1DD Tel: 01534 441080 | email: scrutiny@gov.je | web: statesassembly.gov.je