STATES OF JERSEY  OFFICIAL REPORT  

TUESDAY, 8th SEPTEMBER 2026  

COMMUNICATIONS BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER...................................... 8  

1. Welcome to His Excellency the Li eutenant Governor .................................. 8  

2. Tribute to Michael Voisin , former Deputy of St. Lawrence ........................... 8  

APPOINTMENT OF MINISTERS, COMMITTEES AND PANELS ........................ 8  

2. Appointment of unelected members of the Public Accounts Committee.............. 8  

2.1   Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement (Chair, Public Accounts Committee): ............ 9  

MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE .................................................................... 10  

3. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade will raise a matter of privilege..................... 10  

3.1   Deputy M. Tadier : ...................................................................... 10  

QUESTIONS...................................................................................... 11  

4. Written Questions ....................................................................... 11  

Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Minister for Sustainable Economic  

Development regarding RNLI lifeguard rescue and first-aid incident data.  

(WQ.129/2026) ......................................................................... 12   Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for the  

Environment regarding the financial implications of creating a Minister for Planning  

and Regulation. (WQ.133/2026) ....................................................... 14   Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Social Security regarding  

different minimum wage rates across industries. (WQ.143/2026) ..................... 15   Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour of the Minister for Education and Li felong Learning  

regarding the Jersey Pupil Premium Programme. (WQ.144/2026) .................... 16   Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding additional  

pedestrian crossings on Route de la Baie, St. Brelade 's Bay (WQ.146/2026) ......... 17   Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John . St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for the  

Environment regarding the Evidence-Based Energy Strategy. (WQ. 147/2026) ...... 18  

5. Oral Questions ........................................................................... 19  

1. Connétable I. Gardiner of St. Helier of the Chief Minister regarding Freedom of  Information request decisions (OQ.74/2026). .......................................... 19  

Deputy M.R. Ferey of St. Saviour (Assistant Chief Minister – rapporteur): ................. 19  

1. The Connétable of St. Helier : .......................................................... 19  

2. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour :................................................ 20  
3. The Connétable of St. Helier : .......................................................... 20  

2. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement of the Chief Minister regarding assurance and  approval processes for major capital projects (OQ.72/2026)......................... 20  

Senator L.J. Farnham (The Chief Minister): .................................................. 20  

1. Deputy K.M. Wilson : .................................................................. 21  
2. Connétable A.N. Jehan of St. John : .................................................... 21  
3. The Connétable of St. John : ............................................................ 21  
4. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central : ............................................ 21  
5. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................. 21  
6. Deputy K.M. Wilson : .................................................................. 22  

3. Connétable K. Shenton-Stone of St. Martin of the Minister for the Environment  regarding protecting 30 per cent of the marine and terrestrial environment by 2030  (OQ.64/2026). ............................................................................ 23  

Senator M.R. Le Hegarat (The Minister for the Environment): .............................. 23  

1. The Connétable of St. Martin : .......................................................... 23  
2. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity :............................. 24  
3. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ..................................................................... 24  
4. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South : ................................................ 24  
5. Deputy A. Maltman of St Mary, St Ouen and St Peter: ................................ 24  

4. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Minister for External Relations  regarding expired bank cards (OQ.67/2026). .......................................... 25  

Senator I.J. Gorst (The Minister for External Relations): .................................... 25  

1. Deputy T.A. Coles : ..................................................................... 25  
2. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central : ............................................ 25  
3. Deputy T.A. Coles : ..................................................................... 26  

5. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade of the Minister for Sustainable Economic  Development regarding the outcomes of the trial of free entry into the Jersey  Museum (OQ.71/2026). .................................................................. 26  

Deputy F.G. Voisin of St. Helier North (The Minister for Sustainable Economic  

Development): .......................................................................... 26  

1. Deputy M. Tadier : ...................................................................... 26  
2. Connétable I. Gardiner of St. Helier :................................................... 27  
3. The Connétable of St. Helier : .......................................................... 27  
4. Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central :............................................... 27  
5. Deputy C.S. Alves : ..................................................................... 27  
6. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour :................................................ 27  
7. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : ................................................................ 28  
8. Deputy M. Tadier : ...................................................................... 28  

6. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour of the Chief Minister regarding establishing  a taskforce to urgently tackle child poverty in Jersey (OQ.65/2026). ................ 28  

Senator L.J. Farnham (The Chief Minister): .................................................. 28  

1. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : ................................................................ 29  
2. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade : ...................................................... 29  
3. Deputy M. Tadier : ...................................................................... 29  

4. Connétable I. Gardiner of St. Helier :................................................... 30  
5. The Connétable of St. Helier : .......................................................... 30  
6. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central : ............................................ 30  
7. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................. 31  
8. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : ................................................................ 31  

7. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Sustainable Economic  Development regarding the economic impact of lowering the minimum wage  (OQ.63/2026). ............................................................................ 31  

Deputy F.G. Voisin of St. Helier North (The Minister for Sustainable Economic  

Development): .......................................................................... 31  

1. Deputy M.B. Andrews :................................................................. 31  
2. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South : ................................................ 32  
3. Deputy T.A. Coles : ..................................................................... 32  
4. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement : .................................................. 33  
5. Deputy K.M. Wilson : .................................................................. 33  
6. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity :............................. 33  
7. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ..................................................................... 33  
8. Deputy M.B. Andrews :................................................................. 34  

5.8.   Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Health and Social  

Services regarding additional funding the Minister would seek through the 2027  Budget process (OQ.69/2026). .......................................................... 34  

Senator T.J.A. Binet (The Minister for Health and Social Services):........................ 34  

1. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................. 34  
2. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade : ...................................................... 34  
3. Deputy M. Tadier : ...................................................................... 34  
4. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South : ................................................ 35  
5. Deputy T.A. Coles : ..................................................................... 35  
6. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity :............................. 35  
7. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ..................................................................... 36  
8. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................. 36  
9. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................. 36  

9. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for Health  and Social Services regarding the development of adult safeguarding legislation  (OQ.76/2026). ............................................................................ 36  

Senator T.J.A. Binet (The Minister for Health and Social Services):........................ 36  

1. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ..................................................................... 37  
2. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South : ................................................ 37  
3. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour :................................................ 37  
4. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ..................................................................... 37  

10. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for Justice  and Home Affairs regarding legislation for a scheme of mandatory post-release  probation supervision (OQ.77/2026). .................................................. 38  

Senator H.M. Miles (The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs): .......................... 38  5.10.1   Deputy H.L. Jeune : .................................................................. 38  

11. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade of the Minister for the Environment regarding the  materials dredged from St. Aubin's Harbour and deposited on the foreshore  between St. Aubin's Fort and the St. Aubin's Yacht Club (OQ. 78/2026)........... 38  

Senator M.R. Le Hegarat (The Minister for the Environment): .............................. 38  5.11.1   Deputy M. Tadier :................................................................... 38  

12. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour of the Minister for Health and Social  Services regarding an update in the development of the Women's Health Strategy  (OQ.66/2026). ............................................................................ 39  

Connétable A. Howell of Trinity (Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services -  

rapporteur): ............................................................................. 39  

1. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : ............................................................ 39  
2. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South : ............................................. 39  
3. Deputy T.A. Coles : .................................................................. 40  
4. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central : ......................................... 40  
5. Deputy L.V. Feltham : ............................................................... 40  
6. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : ............................................................ 40  

13. Connétable I. Gardiner of St. Helier of the Minister for Housing regarding the  needs of pet-owning tenants when designing and managing high-density social  housing (OQ. 75/2026). .................................................................. 41  

Deputy M.R. Ferey of St. Saviour (The Minister for Housing):.............................. 41  

1. The Connétable of St. Helier : ....................................................... 41  
2. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade : ................................................... 41  
3. Deputy M. Tadier :................................................................... 42  
4. The Connétable of St. Helier : ....................................................... 42  

14. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Chair of the States Employment Board  regarding senior members of staff leaving employment where due process had not  been followed (OQ.68/2026). ............................................................ 42  

Deputy M.R. Ferey of St. Saviour (Vice-Chair of the States Employment Board -  

rapporteur): ............................................................................. 42  

1. Deputy T.A. Coles : .................................................................. 42  
2. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour : ............................................. 43  
3. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : ............................................................ 43  
4. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity : .......................... 43  
5. Deputy H.L. Jeune : .................................................................. 44  
6. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central : ......................................... 44  
7. Deputy L.V. Feltham : ............................................................... 44  
8. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade : ................................................... 44  
9. Deputy M. Tadier :................................................................... 44  
10. Deputy T.A. Coles :................................................................ 45  

15. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Social Security  regarding Government policy on the minimum wage (OQ.70/2026). ................ 45  

Senator M.E. Millar (The Minister for Social Security): ..................................... 45  

1. Deputy L.V. Feltham : ............................................................... 45  
2. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade : ................................................... 46  
3. Deputy M. Tadier :................................................................... 46  
4. Deputy L.V. Feltham : ............................................................... 46  

16. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement of the Minister for Children and Families  regarding the proportion of the budget for Children and Families spent on early  intervention and prevention (OQ.73/2026). ............................................ 46  

Connétable R.P. Vibert of St. Peter (The Minister for Children and Families):.............. 47  

1. Deputy K.M. Wilson :................................................................ 47  
2. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central : ......................................... 47  
3. Deputy L.V. Feltham : ............................................................... 47  
4. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour : ............................................. 48  
5. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : ............................................................ 48  
6. Deputy K.M. Wilson :................................................................ 48  

6. Questions to Ministers without notice - The Minister for Treasury and Resources 53  

1. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central : ............................................ 53  Senator A.J.H.M. Maclean (The Minister for Treasury and Resources): .................... 53  

1. Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................. 54  
   2. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South : ................................................ 54  

6.2.1 Deputy T.A. Coles : ..................................................................... 54  

3. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity :............................. 54  

6.3.1 Deputy H.L. Jeune : ..................................................................... 55  

4. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement : .................................................. 55  

6.4.1 Deputy K.M. Wilson : .................................................................. 55  

5. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour :................................................ 55  

6.5.1 Deputy L.M.C. Doublet : ................................................................ 55  

6. Deputy S.J. Gleave of St. Helier South : ................................................ 56  

6.6.1 Deputy S.J. Gleave : .................................................................... 56  

7. Deputy B. Ward of St. Clement : ....................................................... 56  

6.7.1 Deputy B. Ward : ........................................................................ 57  

8. Deputy C.J. Rebindaine of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter : .......................... 57  

6.8.1 Deputy C.J. Rebindaine : ................................................................ 57  

9. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade : ...................................................... 58  

7. Questions to Ministers without notice - The Minister for Housing .................. 58  

1. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South : ................................................ 58   Deputy M.R. Ferey of St. Saviour (The Minister for Housing):.............................. 58  

1. Deputy T.A. Coles : ..................................................................... 58  
   2. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity :............................. 58  

7.2.1 Deputy H.L. Jeune : ..................................................................... 59  

3. Deputy S.J. Gleave of St. Helier South : ................................................ 59  

7.3.1 Deputy S.J. Gleave : .................................................................... 59  

4. Deputy L.D. Carpenter of St. Helier Central : .......................................... 60  

7.4.1 Deputy L.D. Carpenter : ................................................................ 60  

5. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central : ............................................ 60  

7.5.1 Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................. 60  

6. Deputy B. Ward of St. Clement : ....................................................... 61  

7.6.1 Deputy B. Ward : ........................................................................ 61  

7. Deputy A.F. Curtis of St. Clement : .................................................... 61  

7.7.1 Deputy A.F. Curtis : .................................................................... 62  

8. Questions to Ministers without notice - The Chief Minister .......................... 62  

1. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity :............................. 62  

Senator L.J. Farnham (The Chief Minister): .................................................. 62  

1. Deputy H.L. Jeune : ..................................................................... 62  
   2. Deputy L.D. Carpenter of St. Helier Central : .......................................... 62  

8.2.1 Deputy L.D. Carpenter : ................................................................ 63  

3. Deputy S.J. Gleave of St. Helier South : ................................................ 63  
4. Deputy V. Li of St. Helier North : ...................................................... 63  

8.4.1 Deputy V. Li : ........................................................................... 63  

5. Deputy B. Ward of St. Clement : ....................................................... 64  

8.5.1 Deputy B. Ward : ........................................................................ 64  

6. Deputy C.J. Rebindaine of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter : .......................... 64  

8.6.1 Deputy C.J. Rebindaine : ................................................................ 64  

7. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central : ............................................ 65  

8.7.1 Deputy L.V. Feltham : .................................................................. 65  

8. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade : ...................................................... 65  

8.8.1 Deputy M. Tadier : ...................................................................... 65  

9. Deputy B. Ward : ........................................................................ 66  

8.9.1 Deputy B. Ward : ........................................................................ 66  

LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT PROPOSED ................................................ 66  LUNCHEON ADJOURNMENT ................................................................ 67  PUBLIC BUSINESS ............................................................................. 67  

9. Draft Sea Fisheries (Minimum Size Li mits) (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202-  (P.61/2026)................................................................................ 67  

1. Senator M.R. Le Hegarat (The Minister for the Environment): ........................ 67  

1. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity (Chair of the Environment,  Housing and Infrastructure Panel): ..................................................... 67  
2. Deputy C.D. Leck of St. Saviour :...................................................... 67  
3. Senator M.R. Le Hegarat : .............................................................. 68  

2. Senator M.R. Le Hegarat : .............................................................. 68  
3. Senator M.R. Le Hegarat : .............................................................. 70  

10. Reinstate the States Grant to the Social Security Fund (P.63/2026) ................. 70  

10.1   Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North :............................................ 70  

1. Senator A.J.H.M. Maclean (Minister for Treasury and Resources): ................ 72  
2. Deputy B. Ward of St. Clement : .................................................... 74  
3. Deputy L.D. Carpenter of St. Helier Central : ....................................... 75  
4. Senator M.E. Millar : ................................................................ 76  
5. Deputy A.F. Curtis of St. Clement : ................................................. 77  
6. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade : ................................................... 78  
7. Connétable I. Gardiner of St. Helier : ................................................ 80  
8. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour : ............................................. 81  
9. Connétable A.N Jehan of St. John : .................................................. 81  
10. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier : ................................................ 81  
11. Deputy V. Li of St. Helier North :.................................................. 82  
12. Deputy M.B. Andrews : ............................................................ 83  

11. Rate Appeal Board: appointment of Members (P.64/2026) .......................... 85  

11.1  Senator A.J.H.M. Maclean (The Minister for Treasury and Resources):.............. 85  

ARRANGEMENT OF PUBLIC BUSINESS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS .................. 86  

12. Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central (Chair, Privileges and Procedures  Committee): ............................................................................ 86  

ADJOURNMENT ................................................................................ 86  

[9:30]  

The Roll was called and the Dean led the Assembly in Prayer.  COMMUNICATIONS BY THE PRESIDING OFFICER  

The Bailiff :  

1. Welcome to His Excellency the Li eutenant Governor  

On behalf of Members, I would like to welcome His Excellency to the Chamber this morning. [Approbation]

2. Tribute to Michael Voisin , former Deputy of St. Lawrence

Members will have been saddened to see that Michael Matthew Godfrey Voisin , who served as   Deputy for St. Lawrence from 1969 to 1975, passed away on 14th July at the age of 86. This is  the first opportunity we have had as an Assembly to mark his passing. Deputy Voisin was called  to the English Bar in 1962 and joined Voisin Law, the firm founded by his great-grandfather, in  February 1963, where he worked for 40 years. Elected at the top of the poll as Deputy of St.  Lawrence in 1969, he was appointed to the Finance and Economics Committee, the Agriculture  Committee and the Legislation Committee. He was also part of a special committee formed to  consider  the  establishment  of  sound  radio  in  Jersey,  which  in  turn  paved  the  way  for  the  establishment of a Jersey-based radio station. He was re-elected in 1972, again topping the poll in   St. Lawrence , and reappointed to the same committees. He served on a committee of inquiry to  inquire into the policy of the J.E.C. (Jersey Electricity Company) and the policy of the Housing  Committee regarding gas supplies in 1973, and also pursued matters individually, bringing a  petition to the States in the same year that a car ferry should be operated between St. Catharine's  and Carteret, although unsuccessful with the proposition. Deputy Voisin played an important part,  alongside Senator Ralph Vibert , in negotiating Jersey's relationship with the European Economic  Community, which ultimately led to Protocol 3 of the Treaty of Accession. He did not stand for  election in 1975. Michael Voisin 's long legal career and dynamic leadership of Voisin Law is  well known and he was regarded as one of the pioneers of Jersey's finance industry. He lectured  at global conferences and wrote extensively on the Island's role in international finance. Voisin  Law, in its own tribute, recorded that Michael Voisin , a familiar presence in the Island's court,  was affectionately known as Mr. Bojangles by the ushers, owing to the chain bracelets he wore in  court and the way they jangled during hearings. Outside the legal world, he enjoyed travelling  between Jersey and his home in Majorca, and his great enjoyment of deep-sea fishing led him to  travel the world in pursuit of his next catch. Our thoughts have been and remain with his family. I invite Members to rise for a moment of silence and reflection. [Silence] May he rest in peace.

APPOINTMENT OF MINISTERS, COMMITTEES AND PANELS  

2. Appointment of unelected members of the Public Accounts Committee  The Bailiff :  

Under F we turn to Appointment of unelected members of the Public Accounts Committee, and I  invite the chair of the committee, Deputy Wilson , to make her nominations.  

Deputy R.E. Binet of Grouville and St. Martin :  Sir, could I just lift the défaut on Deputy Labey ?  The Bailiff :  

Are Members content to raise the défaut on Deputy Labey ? The défaut is raised. Yes, Deputy   Wilson .  

2.1   Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement (Chair, Public Accounts Committee):  

Good morning. I am pleased to recommend 3 members as non-elected members to the Public  Accounts Committee under Standing Order 124. The first person that I would like to recommend  is Clive Heal. Clive has more than 35 years of international executive experience in procurement,  commercial management and organisational transformation. This includes senior leadership  positions with global organisations such as the Prudential, GSK (GlaxoSmithKline), Roche and  GreenTech. He currently leads in an artificial intelligence business and has extensive experience  in procurement strategy, supply governance, commercial negotiations and innovation. He brings  specialist  expertise  in  procurement,  commissioning,  value  for  money  assessment,  digital  transformation  and  technology  governance,  together  with  significant  experience  of  leading  complex organisational change. The second person I would like to recommend is Mark Oliver,  who is a qualified accountant and senior finance executive with more than 30 years of board level  experience across commercial and charitable organisations.  

[9:45]  

His experience includes service as a finance director, chair of an audit and finance committee and  chair of an investment committee. Throughout his career he has been responsible for financial  governance, budgeting, performance reporting, risk management and strategic planning, as well  as supporting major organisational projects and commercial initiatives. He brings considerable  expertise in audit assurance, financial management, governance, and value for money assessment. The third person I would like to recommend is Robert Duncomb. He is a former NHS (National Health Service) chief pharmacist with more than 20 years of senior leadership experience within major healthcare organisations, including the Royal Marsden and the Christie NHS Foundation Trust. His responsibilities included oversight of substantial medicines and staffing budgets, governance and risk assurance, workforce leadership and service improvement. He has also held national leadership roles within the pharmacy profession and has contributed to the development of policy and best practice across the health sector. He brings significant expertise in public sector financial stewardship, healthcare governance, workforce leadership, value for money, decision- making and complex data systems. I can inform the Assembly that the appointment process was conducted through an open and competitive recruitment exercise. An advertisement was published locally on careers.gov.je, and promoted through social media and a Li nkedIn campaign managed by the States Greffe. The vacancy was also circulated through the Jersey Chamber of Commerce's weekly newsletter and, in addition, a note to the media highlighted the recruitment campaign, which subsequently received local media coverage. In all, we had 17 applications and we shortlisted 8 candidates down for the roles. The advertisement sought professionals with a demonstrable track record in the following areas: audit assurance and risk management, financial management  and  public  accountability,  corporate  governance  and  organisational  leadership, programme  and  project  delivery,  digital  and  technology  governance,  including  technology strategy, health and workforce leadership, including workforce planning, infrastructure, estates or asset  management,  procurement,  commercial  management  and  commissioning,  and  human resources and people management. The aforementioned skills and experience are aligned with the recommendations made in the previous P.A.C.'s (Public Accounts Committee) legacy report, as well as the key themes arising from the work and recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C and AG), including matters raised by the C and AG in relation to critical resilience infrastructure and healthcare expenditure. The addition of the proposed non-elected members will bring a broad range of skills, knowledge and experience to strengthen the committee's ability to discharge its responsibilities under the Public Finances Law and to undertake robust scrutiny throughout its 4-year term. It complements the elected members. In addition to the relevant professional  expertise,  applicants  were  also  required  to  demonstrate  strong  analytical  and

communication skills, together with the ability to work constructively and collaboratively as part  of a committee. The shortlisting panel consisted of myself, the Greffier of the States and the  practice director of the Law Officers' Department. We used a scoring matrix at both shortlisting  and interview stages to ensure candidates were assessed consistently and objectively. Eight  applicants were shortlisted for interview, which took place on 19th and 20th August. Following  the interviews, the panel unanimously agreed to recommend the appointment of those nominees  that I have just outlined. In reaching its recommendation, the panel carefully considered the  relative merits of all candidates, including their professional and academic backgrounds, and  sought to ensure that the collective experience of the non-elected members would complement and  strengthen the knowledge and experience of the elected members on P.A.C. I am asking the States  to approve the appointment of the nominees as non-elected members of the P.A.C. I have received  ..  or  the  Greffier  has  not  received,  to  my  knowledge,  any  alternative  nominations  to  the  Membership, and I recommend these nominations to the States.  

The Bailiff :  

Are the nominations seconded? [Seconded] Accordingly, as there were no other nominations  made by the time prescribed by Standing Orders, I declare that Clive Heal, Mark Oliver and Robert  Duncomb have been appointed to the Public Accounts Committee. [Approbation]  

MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE  

3. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade will raise a matter of privilege  The Bailiff :  

We now move to G, Matters of Privilege. Deputy Tadier has given notice under Standing Order  8 of his wish to raise a matter which he believes to affect the privileges or immunity of the States. Under Standing Order 60 he will now state the facts which he wishes to draw attention and the grounds on which he believes that the facts affect the privileges or immunity of the States. When he has done so, I will then give a ruling under Standing Order 60 as to whether or not those matters affect the privileges or immunity of the States.

3.1   Deputy M. Tadier :

Thank you for allowing this. I understand that matters being raised under G, privileges of the  States, are rare, and I do not think I can remember one, if indeed one has taken place, since I have  been here. But I do so because I think there are some important principles at stake. I will outline  what I think is an issue here. Whether or not it crosses the line into undermining the privileges of  States Members is another question. But I think it is worth raising it here. You will be aware, Sir,  that some emails were sent on Friday from the Office of the Chief Executive advising initially all  civil servants, which was copied into States Members, that they should not comment publicly on  the trial, which is proceeding in the other place today. A big trial, which I am not going to go into  detail of. I queried that email initially as to why it had been sent to us, and I think it was  acknowledged that that was probably inappropriate, and that it was a group email which happened  to include States Members but it was not specifically meant for States Members. So I thought the  matter had closed there. But then again at 1.18 p.m., States Members specifically received an  email only directed to them and maybe one other group saying that States Members should  specifically not refer to the proceedings that are going on in that trial. The problem I have is that  the email instruction came from the head of government comms from the Chief Executive's office,  and at that point I did not reply directly to the sender of that email but I sent it to the Chief Minister  who, to be fair to him, has acknowledged that I have a point - I think is what his email said - and  that it is not appropriate for Government to seek to direct this Assembly. I raise these for 2 primary  reasons. Whether or not the instruction itself is a sound one, and I am not questioning that. The  

first point is that this has the risk of undermining parliamentary sovereignty. So the principle of  parliamentary sovereignty is that our Assembly, being the Parliament, is separate. It does not  answer to Government. Government does not .. well, it does strangely answer to Parliament  because it comes from our Assembly, and similarly that the court is separate. So it is wholly  inappropriate for either the Chief Executive or the Head of Comms for the Government to send  instructions to States Members, including of course the co-leader of the opposition as to what he  or she may be able to say on any matter. If a direction were to have come it should have come, in  my view, from the Comms Unit of the States Greffier, if indeed it was deemed necessary for that  to happen, or from an entity or an individual within the States Assembly who has the authority to  do that. The second is that it has a risk I think of trampling into the territory of freedom of speech  and therefore parliamentary privilege. One of the foundations of parliamentary privilege is that  States Members have the ability to speak freely and that when we are in this Assembly we are  covered by parliamentary privilege and we cannot be held to account and sued, for example, or  taken to court for what we say here. There may be limitations of course as to what we can say  here, and it may be entirely appropriate that we do not comment on what is going on in the other  place at the moment, Sir, but you will understand that I raise this after careful thought because I  do think it needs to be put on record that the lines between the 3 areas of government - the courts,  the Executive and the Assembly - need to be respected. There seems to me, and I can give other  examples in future either to yourself or to the Privileges and Procedures Committee, about how I  feel these lines are being blurred.  

The Bailiff :  

I am grateful to Deputy Tadier for raising this matter. Although the email in question was  undoubtedly sent in good faith and motivated by sincere reasons, it should not have been sent. It  is not appropriate for a civil servant acting on behalf of the Executive to tell Members how to  conduct themselves in this context. Members are well able to understand their duties and  obligations in respect of criminal trials and, indeed in the case of new Members, have been recently  asked to consider such matters in the course of their induction. Any messaging thought necessary  on the part of Ministers could have been delivered with a different tone, certainly a less directive  tone, and potentially by an elected Member from within Government. Parliamentary privilege is  enshrined in statute; see Articles 34 and 35A of the States of Jersey Law. Nonetheless, I do not  think this intervention in fact affects the privileges or immunity of the States. The email, while  inappropriate, could not itself affect or limit Members' freedom of speech whether within or  without the Chamber.  It is for the Assembly alone to determine its own rules as part of  parliamentary privilege. Members themselves have made Standing Orders governing their own  conduct, which provide, for example, at Standing Order 107, a power to prevent Members from  referring to matters relevant to proceedings in any court, and a duty under Standing Order 104 not  to refer to a case pending in court in a way which might prejudice that case. Outside the States,  what Members say is a matter for themselves, subject to the law on contempt of court and the Code  of Conduct for Elected Members. The contents of the email in question did, in effect, no more  than allude to these rules, but to be sent in the terms it was was unnecessary and perhaps high- handed. Thank you for raising that matter, Deputy .  

Deputy M. Tadier :  

Can I thank you for your consideration in that matter?  

QUESTIONS  

4. Written Questions  

Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development  

regarding RNLI lifeguard rescue and first-aid incident data. (WQ.129/2026)  

Question  

Will the Minister advise –  

1. whether records are maintained of water rescues, resuscitation incidents (including CPR)  and first-aid treatments undertaken by RNLI lifeguards on Jersey beaches and, if so,  provide a breakdown by beach location for each of the last five years and;  
2. how many water rescues, resuscitation incidents (including CPR) and first-aid treatments  have occurred at Havre des Pas bathing pool in each of the last five years, and whether  this information has been used to assess the need for lifeguard provision at the site?  

Answer  

I am sure that all members would acknowledge the important role that RNLI lifeguards play in  keeping Jersey's wonderful beaches safe for both islanders and visitors. In recent years, they have  sought to increase the number of lifeguards who are Jersey residents, which we welcome.  

1. This data is held by the RNLI and has been provided in the tables below.  
2. The Havre des Pas Li do is managed by a private operator and is not included within the  Government's beach-lifeguarding contract with the RNLI. Li feguarding provision is therefore  provided at the discretion of the private operator.  

Nevertheless, the I&E Department do hold historic data on incidents over the last five years which  is provided below:  

Havre Des Pas  

2024  

2023  

2021  

Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for the Environment  

regarding the financial implications of creating a Minister for Planning and Regulation.  (WQ.133/2026)  

Question  

Further to  R.106/2026  and the proposed Order to separate planning and regulatory functions from the  Minister's responsibilities and to create a Minister for Planning and Regulation, will the Minister –  

1. set out where the revenue to fund her department will come from if the proposed changes  take effect, specifically whether the income currently generated through planning and  regulatory fees, licences and application charges will continue to be included;  
2. advise what assessment, if any, has been made of the net financial impact to her department from  the transfer of functions (and any potential associated fee income) to the new Minister for Planning  and Regulation; and  

3. inform the Assembly whether any transitional funding or budget reallocation has been agreed with  the Minister for Treasury and Resources to ensure her department is not left with any shortfall as a  result of the creation of the new role?  

Answer  

While Members understandably have questions in relation to the creation of new Ministerial Offices  and portfolio transfers, and seek assurance over budget allocations, the intention remains, as it has  under previous transfers, to ensure no adverse or positive budget impact from these political transfers,  i.e. they are, of themselves, budget neutral.  

Specifically:  

1. The intention is that each Directorate (Regulation and Natural Environment) will have a  dedicated Head of Expenditure in Budget 2027 – 2030 that reflects their responsibilities and  activities.  
2. A detailed financial assessment was not made as part of the transfer to the new Minister for  Planning and Regulation, because the intention was, and is, that the transfer will be budget  neutral, i.e. there would be no financial impact.  

The existing budgets for each of the Natural Environment and Regulation Directorates, save  for any other decision to be made as part of Budget 2027 – 2030, will be maintained.  

3. No transitional funding or budget reallocation has been agreed with the Minister for Treasury  and Resources. The reasons for not agreeing any such funding or budget are that none is  needed for the reasons explained in part (b) above.  

The Natural Environment function will not be left with any shortfall as a result of the creation of the  new role.  

Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Social Security regarding  

different minimum wage rates across industries. (WQ.143/2026)  

Question  

In relation to the minimum wage, will the Minister advise whether consideration is being given to –  

1. setting different rates across industries and, if so, will she state who she plans to consult;  and  
2. a youth minimum wage rate and, if so, what age group will this rate apply to?  

Answer  

The statutory consultation on the minimum wage rate for April 2027 is currently being undertaken  by the Employment Forum, in line with the requirements of the Employment Law. Once it has  considered all the evidence it has received, the Forum will make its recommendations to me. I expect  to receive those recommendations in September.  

In her direction letter to the Forum, the previous Minister for Social Security did not ask it specifically  to consider sectoral minimum wage rates or a youth minimum wage.  

I will consider all matters relating to the Minimum Wage once I have received the Forum's report.  

A link to the current consultation exercise is here: Employment Forum consultation on minimum  wage 2026 to 2027

Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour of the Minister for Education and Li felong Learning  

regarding the Jersey Pupil Premium Programme. (WQ.144/2026)  

Question  

Will the Minister provide an update on the impact of the Jersey Pupil Premium programme, including any  demonstrated improvement in educational attainment gaps?  

Answer  

School level impact  

Each school evaluates the impact of their Jersey Premium strategy annually, with reports published  on their webpages in January/February of each year. Evaluation of these reports shows that schools  are adopting a consistent Island-wide approach:  

• funding  is  now  consistently  used  in  an  evidence-informed  way,  in  line  with  the  recommendations of the Education Endowment Fund;  

• schools tend to prioritise developing and ensuring teaching quality for all students rather than  using it for isolated interventions with groups or individuals;  

• literacy, numeracy and communication remain the key academic targets;  

• wellbeing and attendance are now treated as equally important outcome measures;  

In  addition,  the  Jersey  School  Reviews  always  evaluate  the  application  of  Jersey  Premium  funds. Reviewers assess how well pupils receiving Jersey Premium funding progress by the end of  each key stage compared with pupils who started at a similar level. They consider whether these  pupils are meeting age-related expectations and whether any gaps in progress or attainment are  reducing over time as a result of the funding. Reviewers also evaluate the impact of the school's use  of Jersey Premium funding in helping pupils reach expected standards, achieve greater depth in their  learning, and access increased challenge. Where funding supports pupils with particular talents or  aptitudes, reviewers comment on the overall effectiveness of that provision. For example, a recent  report stated, The school goes to significant lengths to ensure equity and adapt its curriculum around  its pupil groups so they are ready for later life. Leaders check carefully that pupils who are from  disadvantaged backgrounds, benefit from the same curricular opportunities as others.'  

Island level impact  

Schools receive funding for each cohort of pupils identified as eligible for Jersey Premium in their  school and allocate that funding to best meet the needs of that cohort of learners, as detailed in their  published Jersey Premium Plans and evaluations.  

At an Island level we evaluate how different groups of children (such as those who are eligible for  Jersey Premium funding) are being supported in their education. We consider comparative results in  teacher assessments of reading, writing and mathematics in primary schools (KS2), at KS4 (GCSE  and level 1/level 2 qualifications) and KS5 (A level and level 3 qualifications) between Pupils eligible  for Jersey Premium and those who are not eligible. This comparative analysis will identify the  difference in attainment between the groups, or as the question asks, an attainment gap'.  

Between 2021 and 2025 the gap between Pupils with Jersey Premium and those not eligible at the  end primary school (Key stage 2) has reduced in reading, writing and mathematics based on teacher  assessments, with the overall attainment difference reducing from 20.9% to 15.8%. At GCSE, the  gap difference has fluctuated both up and down over the same period but overall has remained static  at 27.4%.  

At KS5 over the same period similarly there are year on year fluctuations which are best interpreted  with the context of year-on-year differences in the cohort and their characteristics. Overall, the gap  in A level achievement between 2021 and 2025 has dropped from 6.4% to 4.8%.  

Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding additional  

pedestrian crossings on Route de la Baie, St. Brelade 's Bay (WQ.146/2026)  

Question  

Is the Minister aware of any calls from local residents and businesses to install additional pedestrian  crossings on Route de la Baie, St. Brelade 's Bay, and will he advise whether it is his assessment that  such crossings are needed to improve road safety for users of the Bay and, if so, what steps he is  taking to deliver them and within what timeframe?  

Answer  

There  have  been requests  from  residents, businesses, and  Parish  representatives  for additional pedestrian crossings on La Route de la Baie, St. Brelade 's Bay.  

The Department has investigated these requests through a combination of site assessments, speed  surveys, collision analysis, and wider route review work. That work identified clear pedestrian desire  lines between the public car parks, hotels, the parish church, visitor attractions, promenade and  beach, and recognised opportunities to improve pedestrian connectivity and the overall pedestrian  environment within the bay.  

The evidence gathered has not identified speeding as a predominant issue within the Bay, with traffic  surveys recording generally good compliance with the 20-mph speed limit. Similarly, the collision  information reviewed did not indicate a notable road-safety problem, and assessments undertaken in  relation to Midbay recorded no pedestrian injury collisions within the relevant five-year period then  available, which is the standard review process.  

The Department's assessment is therefore that the principal issue is not vehicle speed, but the  difficulty pedestrians can experience moving between key destinations within the Bay, particularly  where footway provision is absent or crossing opportunities are limited. While there is merit in  improving  pedestrian  access,  the  Department  has  concluded  that  it  would  not  be appropriate  to consider individual crossing requests in isolation.  

At a number of locations, including those most frequently suggested by residents, the provision of a  conventional pedestrian crossing is constrained by factors such as limited footway or waiting space,  restricted visibility, private accesses, nearby bus stop infrastructure, and the operational requirements  of adjoining premises. Officers have therefore concluded that some crossings would be difficult to  deliver as standalone measures without more substantial alterations to the highway environment.  

As a result, the Department has developed a broader package of potential improvements for St.  Brelade's  Bay which form  a  bay-wide  improvement  strategy  rather  than  a  series  of  isolated  interventions. The proposals remain at feasibility stage. Before any scheme could proceed, further  design  development,  stakeholder  engagement,  consultation,  landowner  cooperation  where required, and the identification of a funding source would be necessary. Any scheme would  also need to be prioritised alongside other Island-wide road-safety and active-travel programmes,  including the Safe Routes to School programme.  

It should also be noted that opportunities to incorporate such improvements within the planned  reconstruction of Route de la Baie and associated roads in 2031 will continue to be considered as that  programme is developed.  

Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John . St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for the Environment  

regarding the Evidence-Based Energy Strategy. (WQ. 147/2026)  

Question  

Further to the adoption of Evidence-Based Energy Strategy' (P.11/2025), as amended, and the  request that the Council of Ministers develop and begin implementing such a strategy for Jersey by  31st December 2026, will the Minister –  

1. provide an update on the status of the strategy and advise whether it remains on track to be  developed and to begin implementation by 31st December 2026;  
2. detail what progress has been made since the response to WQ.360/2025, including on  stakeholder engagement, and advise whether any of the reports mentioned in that response  have identified findings that will shape the strategy;  
3. advise whether the change in Ministerial functions described in R.106/2026 will have any  impact on the responsibility or timeline for this work; and  
4. state when a draft or summary of the strategy will be made available to the Environment,  Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel and the Assembly?"  

Answer  

1. The energy strategy currently remains under development and is on track in accordance with  P.11/2025. I endorse the comments of my predecessor (P.11/2025 Com) that the energy  strategy should provide a high-level vision and long-term roadmap for how energy should be  managed, supplied and used over time in Jersey, set broad goals, identify key themes,  priorities and areas of tension, provide a framework for decision-making and identify further  policy development in areas such as legislation, regulation and specific policy actions to  implement the strategic intent.  
2. Work has continued to analyse appropriate evidence, including information from energy  suppliers and the development of an energy forecast and potential future scenarios. Officers  are in the process of developing potential policy approaches to the issues raised. This work  

will continue through to the end of Q3 2026 and at that point it will be further considered how  best to engage on a draft strategy with stakeholders, including the Environment, Housing and  Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, during Q4 2026.

The Energy Trends report, C&AG's review of energy infrastructure resilience, the JCRA  

Electricity Market Study, the Carbon Neutral Roadmap and the report on the potential of  

offshore energy for Jersey have all provided evidence that will shape the strategy. The Energy  

Trends Report 2025 is due to be published by the end of August which will provide up-to- Commented [A1]: [Mention was removed] to confirm

date energy trends data.  Commented [A2R1]: Should be first half so yes "by end" works

3. No. It is not currently envisaged that there will be any change in responsibility or timeline.
4. See (b).

5. Oral Questions The Bailiff :

We now move to Oral Questions of which there are 16, which means approximately 8 minutes will  be allowed per question.

1. Connétable  I.   Gardiner  of  St.  Helier  of  the  Chief  Minister  regarding  Freedom  of  Information request decisions (OQ.74/2026).

In light of the Information Commissioner's concerns regarding central Government involvement in  freedom  of  information  request  decisions,  will  the  Chief  Minister  advise  what  role  central  communications or other Government functions currently have in decisions on whether information  is disclosed and what action, if any, he intends to take to ensure that such decisions are made independently by the relevant scheduled public authority?

Senator L.J. Farnham (The Chief Minister):

The Connétable has agreed that Deputy Ferey take this, as he has delegated responsibility for the  matter.

Deputy M.R. Ferey of St. Saviour (Assistant Chief Minister – rapporteur):

I thank the Connétable for her question. Freedom of information decisions are made by the scheduled  public authority and, for clarity, that is the relevant department which holds the information and are  signed off by the relevant accountable officer. A scheduled public authority is entitled to seek advice  from legal communications, policy or other specialist colleagues when preparing responses. This is  a normal and sensible part of Government administration. The role of the Information Commissioner  is to consider whether decisions comply with the law. How the Government organises advice and  support functions is a matter for Government, provided statutory responsibilities remain with the  relevant authority. Officers are currently reviewing how the Government operates across its various  scheduled public authorities to ensure services are delivered in the most efficient, consistent and cost- effective way possible.

1. The Connétable of St. Helier :

Can the Assistant Chief Minister confirm whether freedom of information responses are seen by  communications or any other central units before issue and whether any requests are flagged as  reputational sensitive and whether communication officers can recommend withholding information,  and if so who makes the final decision and where it is recorded.

Deputy M.R. Ferey :  

I thank the Connétable for that back-up question. So communications may see the request or the  ultimate response but they are not responsible for whether or not that response gets delivered. They  are just responsible for ensuring that the response is in good order but they have no jurisdiction over  the scheduled public authority, the relevant individual department or accountable officer who is  responsible for releasing that information.  

[10:00]  

2. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour :  

I wonder if the Minister knows of any data as to how often there is any pushback when the senior  officer signs off on information, whether the F.O.I. (freedom of information) authority ever pushes  back and asks for more.  

Deputy M.R. Ferey :  

I thank the Deputy for that question. Obviously, some requests are very straightforward and can be  dealt with expediently. Some are more complex and require more thought and more discussion, so I  do not have the numbers on how many are straightforward and how many require more oversight. But as any requests would go, some are straightforward and some are naturally more complicated.

3. The Connétable of St. Helier :

Just recently, given the commissioner just overturned a decision to treat 9 requests as vexatious and  given that 23 per cent of decisions are challenged and internal review were reversed, will the Assistant  Chief Minister commit to publishing an audit of how the existing vexatious power has been used  before the proposal extends and bring to the Assembly?  

Deputy M.R. Ferey :  

Yes, we are reviewing processes. We are trying to improve those processes where we can and we  are reviewing the decision-making around freedom of information requests. I think it is fair to say  that over the last number of years the number of requests has grown exponentially, and sometimes  officers and staff are overwhelmed by the number of requests. So it is important that we give them  due regard and that they are properly dealt with. That will be part of the work that I am undertaking  during this political term.  

2. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement of the Chief Minister regarding assurance and  approval processes for major capital projects (OQ.72/2026).  

In light of recent concerns raised regarding the assurance and approval processes surrounding major  capital projects, will the Chief Minister advise what steps he has taken, or is considering taking, to  ensure  no  major  contract  is  signed  by  Ministers  before  all  legal,  financial,  governance  and  independent assurance processes are completed?  

Senator L.J. Farnham (The Chief Minister):  

The Government already has robust legal, financial, governance and assurance processes in place for  major capital projects, and I am not proposing changes to those arrangements at this time. The recent  hospital contract was an exceptional case. The Minister acted transparently through the Ministerial  instruction process after becoming aware of an outstanding due diligence requirement immediately  before the contract was due to be signed. Following legal advice and discussions with the Council  of Ministers, a contractual mechanism was agreed that allowed the contract to be signed while  ensuring that the necessary due diligence would still be completed and satisfied under specified  conditions. In effect, the Ministerial instruction became unnecessary as that process was conducted  successfully. The Council of Ministers supported that approach because it protected the public  interest, maintained the required assurance processes, and avoided further delay to a project of critical  importance to our island. I am therefore satisfied that the Government's existing governance and  assurance framework remains robust and that this exceptional situation was dealt with transparently  and appropriately by the Minister and the Council of Ministers. I do not propose to make any changes  at this stage.  

1. Deputy K.M. Wilson :  

Given the exceptional circumstances of this need to sign the contract 2 days before an election, can  the Chief Minister confirm whether or not, or he accepts, that authorising a contract of this size before  the prescribed assurance and approval mechanisms have been completed created a situation where  the Government's own assurance framework under the Public Finance Law could not operate?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

I think the process did operate in line with how it should. There is a reason why we have a Ministerial  authorisation and it was, I think, brought in and applied appropriately, as I said in my original answer,  in the public interest.  

2. Connétable A.N. Jehan of St. John :  

Would the Chief Minister confirm that there was a senior Treasury member on the hospital project  team throughout, and also agree with me that a mechanism was in place to complete any outstanding  due diligence to ensure nothing of concern had arisen and the contract could be cancelled as  something arisen, as outlined in the Minister's letter received by Members this morning?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

Yes, that is correct. I thank the Connétable for the question. Just to clarify, at the point of signing  the contract, including a 2-week break clause to allow the Treasury ongoing review to be completed,  those reviews subsequently concluded without identifying any issues.  

3. The Connétable of St. John :  

Can the Chief Minister also confirm that both he and the Council of Ministers had access to senior  legal advisers both on Island and subject specialists in London throughout the process?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

Yes, that is correct.  

4. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central :  

Could the Chief Minister enlighten the Assembly as to how we came to the point where the Minister  got into an exceptional circumstance whereby all of the due diligence had not been done prior to the  requirement of the signing of the contract?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

I think it was more assurance rather than due diligence. Members will have seen a statement from  the Minister this morning, which explains it all in greater detail [Appended to the Official Record at  page number 47]. There were important sensitive negotiations that have been going on for some time  to ensure we got the absolute best deal for the Island, and they were time sensitive. As I said before,  in the public interest it was deemed appropriate and right at the time, albeit being close to an election,  but in the interests of the Island and the potential costs of the project the contract was signed.  

5. Deputy L.V. Feltham :  

I think I have heard the Minister for Health and Social Services refer to a last-minute request for  additional information to be provided. How did it get to the point that this request was seen as a last- minute request despite the fact that this is part of the usual procedures as requested in the Public  Finances Manual?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

As we approached the proposed day of the signing of the contract the Minister was made aware by a  letter from the Chief Executive that there were further assurances required, and that led to the Minister  for Health and Social Services and his team negotiating the 2-week break clause into the contract to  allow for that work to be completed.  

Deputy L.V. Feltham :  

Sir, I do not think the Chief Minister has answered my question. My question is specifically related  to the usual processes that are followed. The Chief Minister alluded to additional information. My  understanding was that this was not additional information for this specific programme. It is  information that is standard and the hospital team should have planned in their timeframe for it to be  done ahead of the contract signing.  

The Bailiff :  

Anything you want to add, Chief Minister?  Senator L.J. Farnham :  

That was not the Minister for Health and Social Service's understanding, as I believe, and as in the   Connétable of St John's questions, a Treasury official sits on the hospital team that has worked with  the project all the way along. But it is clear that if the Treasury do require further information and  assurances we must take that seriously. That is exactly what we did. The Minister for Health and  Social Services negotiated a 2-week break clause so that information could be provided.  

6. Deputy K.M. Wilson :  

Could the Chief Minister confirm who has the specific responsibility for any risks associated with  this contract? Can he confirm whether this was a collective decision or whether it was under  Ministerial Order?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

I am sorry, I missed .. I did not quite hear the first part of the question. Could the Deputy ..  The Bailiff :  

Repeat the first part of your question, Deputy Wilson .  

Deputy K.M. Wilson :  

I have asked who bears the specific responsibility for the risks in relation to the contract being signed  under these circumstances.  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

I might need legal advice on that. I presume the Government does, but perhaps you could help?  The Bailiff :  

No, I am not here to help you answer questions. [Laughter]  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

The second part of the question, I think, ultimately, was the Ministerial instruction required?   Deputy K.M. Wilson :  

Maybe if I allow the Chief Minister to seek the advice on the first part of the question as to who bears  the specific accountability around the risks relating to the signing of this contract.  

The Bailiff :  

Do you want to give an answer in writing after?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

Thank you, Sir. If the Attorney-General will be present at some stage, perhaps he could help.  The Bailiff :  

Well, not in relation to questions, and during question time he will not be able to, but if you want to  give a written response to this question, then of course you may.  

3. Connétable  K.   Shenton-Stone  of  St.  Martin  of  the  Minister  for  the  Environment  regarding protecting 30 per cent of the marine and terrestrial environment by 2030  (OQ.64/2026).  

I was delighted to read the M.P.A. (Marine Protected Area) press release last week. Will the Minister  advise how the Government intends to protect 30 per cent of the marine and terrestrial environment  by  2030  in  accordance  with  its  international  commitments  under  the  U.N.  (United  Nations)  Convention  on  Biological  Diversity,  and  whether  this  work  will  include  a  programme  of  implementation and discussions with the Jersey National Park?  

Senator M.R. Le Hegarat (The Minister for the Environment):  

I thank the Connétable for the question. Firstly, I think it is important to recognise the significant  progress Jersey has made in this area and the work undertaken by successive Ministers and Assembly  Members, including former Deputy Steve Luce and, indeed, Deputy Renouf , in helping to establish  the current network of marine protected areas. As the Connétable will be aware, the last week,  following States approval in the spring, a significant expansion of Jersey's territorial waters receiving  the highest level of protection has increased from 6.5 per cent to 21.7 per cent, with 2 further areas  due to come into force on 1st January 2030, taking this figure to 23.4 per cent. As Minister for the  Environment,  I  remain  committed  to  supporting  Jersey's  international  obligations  under  the  Convention on Biological Diversity, including the global ambition to protect and conserve 30 per  cent of land and sea for nature by 2030, and to playing its part in delivering the ambitions of the  global diversity framework. However, achieving those objectives is both from the marine and land  area combined and cannot be delivered within a single designation. These measures are the result of  considerable scientific research, habitat mapping, ecological surveys and stakeholder engagement  and are focused on protecting Jersey's most important sensitive marine habitats. The Jersey National  Park is an important part of Jersey's environmental landscape and has a valuable role in promoting,  conserving and enhancing the Island's natural and cultural heritage. An identified activity of a recent  review of the National Park was to establish the National Park as a I.U.C.N. (International Union for  Conservation of Nature) cat V protected area and include it on the I.U.C.N. green list. Our officers  are now regularly in discussions with the National Park team about conservation and environmental  management.  

1. The Connétable of St. Martin :  

I thank the Minister for her answer. I would just like to say that it is a significant amount of work  that needs to be done, and it is a significant amount of important work to be done. Does the Minister  believe that this Government has the resources and commitment to achieve this vitally important step  by 2030, bearing in mind that it is only 4 years away?  

Senator M.R. Le Hegarat :  

As I have already stated, the work is already ongoing and it is important to identify that when we are  doing work in relation to both marine and our land protections, is that we continue to consult with all  of those people which it affects and we continue to work on projects which are achievable and  reasonable. Obviously the question that stands, should we look at to find an additional 7.6 per cent  to hit the target by 2030 for the sea. However, as I said, we need to be realistic and we must make  sure that when we are doing these things that we are actually making proper gains, and that they are  worth us doing and it is not just a paper exercise. So I am committed to achieving as much as we  possibly can.  

2. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity :  

Could the Minister elaborate if part of this work will be to update Jersey's biodiversity strategy?  Senator M.R. Le Hegarat :  

I thank the Deputy for the question, and that is yes. Both myself and the Assistant Minister are  committed to looking at the biodiversity strategy, and that work will be ongoing.  

[10:15]  

3. Deputy H.L. Jeune :  

I thank the Minister for her answer. I would like to ask the Minister if, with that in mind, the strategy  of course you need implementation and that needs budgets, and will she be putting further budget  towards biodiversity strategy implementation in the next Budget?  

Senator M.R. Le Hegarat :  

At this present time, with only 2 months in this role, we need to look at all of the budgets and look  how it is going to be divided, bearing in mind that the role that I have taken has been split from  another. So obviously we will be looking how we are going to fund it and how much the costs are,  but obviously the work is ongoing with the teams that we already have.  

4. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South :  

The Minister kindly mentions the role has been split, and of course this leads me to the question  around the Marine Spatial Plan that was presented previously by the Minister for the Environment,  which these roles have now been split. The Marine Spatial Plan is mentioned within the Bridging  Island Plan, so is the Minister certain that she has responsible for this area or does it sit to the Minister  to her right?  

Senator M.R. Le Hegarat :  

As far as I am concerned, my role is in relation to the Marine Plan, and so that sits with me.  

5. Deputy A. Maltman of St Mary, St Ouen and St Peter:  

Could the Minister explain the structure of the Jersey National Park and what kind of statutory powers  that the park has? Could the Minister explain whether there are any plans in the future to bring more  statutory powers to the park enshrined in law?  

Senator M.R. Le Hegarat :  

At this time I cannot answer that question. I am just, at this present time, visiting all of the areas  where we work with closely and I am not in this, at this particular time, able to provide a structure of  the National Park. But I am happy to ask a member of the team to do that today and to be able to  provide that to the Deputy . [Appended to the Official Record at page number 52].  

Deputy A. Maltman :  

Thank you. I would welcome that conversation, Minister.  The Bailiff :  

Final supplementary, Connétable of St. Martin .  

The Connétable of St. Martin :  

No, thank you, Sir.  

4. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South of the Minister for External Relations regarding  expired bank cards (OQ.67/2026).  

Will the Minister advise whether he is aware that banks allow money for subscriptions to be paid out  on expired bank cards and, if so, what action does the Minister intend to take in respect of this  practice?  

Senator I.J. Gorst (The Minister for External Relations):  

I am aware that payments of subscription services can continue after the card originally used to set  up the subscription has expired. Automated services such as Visa account updater and the Mastercard  automatic  billing  updater  should  securely  share  updated  bank  card  details  with  participating  merchants when replacement cards are issued; for example, when a card has expired or been stolen. This system is used in many jurisdictions and helps to ensure that payments for reoccurring bills can continue to be processed without interruption, avoiding the unintended loss of access to a subscription service. So I am not aware of any concerns having been raised by Islanders regarding this service, but if the Deputy is aware of any I am happy to consider them.

1. Deputy T.A. Coles :

Well, unfortunately this happened to me, so I will raise my concern right now as I was unaware that  an expired bank card was able to still process payments. This led me to have £62 taken from my  bank account without my knowledge or consent, whereas if I had walked into a shop with that card I  would not have been able to purchase something. So does the Minister believe that this system  provides  an  adequate  level  of  protection  towards  a  consumer  with  regards  to  these  financial  transactions?  

Senator I.J. Gorst :  

I think it does. The position is that it is in place to benefit the consumer. In certain instances, of  course, if there has been fraud on the card then a different approach is taken. As I understand it, these  structures or organisations or one's banking institution, one can opt out from these services. But I  would caution very strongly any individual before doing such a thing because what it would probably  mean is that all of their payments that they may have through the card, if they have authorised it  through the card, would stop being made and they could find themselves in debt in certain areas. So  I do think that the system as currently stands is appropriate but, as I say, individuals can opt out.  

2. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central :  

In light of the fact that many more people are now taking out subscription services, and given that  there are more protections perhaps offered by credit cards in relation to this matter, would it be  appropriate for Government to undertake some form of communications to let people know what  protections are in place with a credit card as opposed to a debit card?  

Senator I.J. Gorst :  

I am not sure that it is the Government's job to do that. I think that credit card providers do a very  good job of that, because it is one of the major selling points of having a credit card. It is not the  credit, because credit on credit cards is relatively expensive to other forms of credit, but it does  provide this extra security for all sorts of reasons. Individual users of banking facilities of course  have got to balance up. With a credit card you get a large bill at the end if you have used it, whereas  if you are using it on your debit card then it is coming directly from your current account, therefore  you may consider that you can manage your expenses more reasonably. But I do not think this is an  area  for  Government  to  issue  communication.   What  is  an  area  for  Government  to  issue  communication, and it does in conjunction with the banking sector and the regulator, is around fraud  and how all of these instruments could be used for fraud.  

3. Deputy T.A. Coles :  

The Minister in his response to my first supplementary was around that a consumer might find  themselves in a level of debt, but of course if the card is allowed to take money without pre- authorisation or additional authorisation off the new card then that debt could accumulate. Is it not  better or is it the Minister's opinion that it might be better to lose services every 4 years and have to  reconsider whether you still want your subscription rather than to have it automatically renew without  your consent?  

Senator I.J. Gorst :  

I am not really in a position to second-guess what is in the best interest of any individual using such  a service. From my personal perspective, the less I have to fiddle around with standing orders and  direct debits and subscription services the better, because otherwise it means the children are logging  on to Netflix and all of a sudden they cannot access it because something has happened at the bank  which cannot be resolved very easily. It is a balance. Education is important. As we have just said,  that is a job for the banking community and also for regulators and the provider of these products.  

5. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade of the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development  regarding the outcomes of the trial of free entry into the Jersey Museum (OQ.71/2026).  

Further to the Minister's response to Written Question 136/2026 regarding the trial of free entry into  the Jersey Museum, will the Minister advise whether he has had the opportunity to evaluate the  outcomes of the trial and what his position is in relation to continuation of free entry; and if he has  not yet undertaken this work, when will he do so, given the Museum's importance to the visitor  economy?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin of St. Helier North (The Minister for Sustainable Economic Development):  

Since I responded to the Written Question in July, my focus has been on identifying how we are  going to grow our economy and wider Council of Ministers commitments. I have not had the  opportunity to evaluate the outcome of the trial. The Deputy will be aware that I have recently  delegated functions for arts, culture and heritage to my Assistant Minister, Senator Kersten . I have  asked her to liaise with Jersey Heritage to review the effectiveness of the free trial. I am confident  that she will be able to recommend whether the trial restarts in due course.  

1. Deputy M. Tadier :  

First of all, can I also acknowledge that there has been a new appointment and congratulate Senator   Kersten ? I was really not sure who was going to answer the question this morning, but I am sure  there will be a collaborative approach from the Ministry. Could the Minister clarify what the policy  position is? Because while Jersey Heritage have run the trial, and I did hear on the radio this morning  they think it has been a success from their point of view, that ultimately if we compare our situation  in Jersey to the U.K. (United Kingdom), where there is a government policy that says national  museums should, as a principle, be free to enter, does Government of Jersey have a policy principle  and what considerations would it be underpinned by if it did?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

I think there are a couple of things here. First of all this was a trial, and a trial by its implication has  a start date and a finish date, and I understand that the trial finished at the end of Q1 of this year. As  far as a policy for encouraging visitors to visit our museum, of course this is all part of our visitor  economy, and I do acknowledge that in 2025 the number of visits to Jersey Museum increased by  about 34 per cent. But it is also interesting that visits to the Maritime Museum in Mont Orgueil also  fell, which would have also had an impact on the revenue of the museum service. I think the thing  is that the cost of the trial is about £500,000 a year, and it is a question of how best we are going to  spend or allocate the resources of the one per cent funding that has been agreed by this Assembly.  

2. Connétable I. Gardiner of St. Helier :  

I look forward to see the outcome of the evaluation. Would the Minister advise when he is expecting  to get the evaluation before the Budget debate to ensure that we can have a discussion if this type of  policy would benefit visitor economy and before we will go into the Budget debate?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

We have certainly got to agree the budget with all of the recipients of the Art, Culture and Heritage  Fund. So that will be in the fourth quarter of this year. I would hope that it will be before the Budget  debate.  

3. The Connétable of St. Helier :  

The Minister mentioned about a trial. I would like to check if the evaluation measure the wider  benefit to town, including footfall for nearby businesses or only museums on admission?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

The data we have is just for museums.  

4. Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central :  

I think I was probably one of the last school cohorts of pupils who benefited from the flashcard back  in the day where we were able to visit a wide range of heritage sites for free. Can the Minister tell  me what is his position with regards to maybe having a look at bringing that back for children  specifically, and has he done any comparisons with other countries? For example, I know in Portugal  that the museums are free every Sunday.  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

No, as I said earlier we have not done the evaluation, and obviously any evaluation can certainly  include looking at a flashcard system. I was not aware of that, so thank you for letting me know  about it. And also what happens in other countries, so we can bring that in as part of the evaluation.

5. Deputy C.S. Alves :  

Is the Minister aware of what the K.P.I.s (key performance indicators) for this trial were, please?   Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

I understand it was visitor numbers, but we also wanted an understanding of how the museum service  translated that increase in numbers into increased revenues from other sources.  

6. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour :  

While I am interested in the visitor economy and the K.P.I.s around that, I am also interested in local  children and whether they can access our local culture. I would be really interested to understand  whether those K.P.I.s included measuring the number of local children visiting our museum. I also  remember that scheme. Are there any K.P.I.s that measure the impact for our local children?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

I am sorry, my briefing papers do not cover the K.P.I. figures and whether they include entrants from  children. All the information that I have is for local people attending and tourists, but this is  something we can certainly look into as part of the review.  

7. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet :  

That is great to hear that the Minister is open to that. Would he be open to perhaps extending the  trial in a slightly different format? Indeed a previous questioner gave some ideas there, perhaps a  flashcard that allowed children one entry to each of the sites per year would make a huge difference  to their cultural experience if their families cannot afford those memberships.  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

The trial has come to an end, so it is a question of restarting it on new parameters.  

8. Deputy M. Tadier :  

From my understanding, the trial was supposed to be a year and it lasted 2 years and it sounds like  no measurement has meaningfully been taken. Does the Minister agree that he risks putting the cart  before the horse and the first thing that his department needs to do is establish its policy on free entry  to Jersey's National Museum?  

[10:30]  

And if the agreement that everybody should be able to access our National Museum for free, whether  they are a visitor, a child or a local family which has grown up, that everything else should follow  from that and it should not be simply a haggling argument between his department and Jersey  Heritage, does he agree that it is valuable to establish that policy first or does he have a different  opinion?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

I can certainly take that on board but I do think that an important part of this is, I am afraid, and I am  sorry to say this, the financial element and whether we encourage free access to our museums for  everyone. There is, as I said earlier on, a cost of about £500,000 for this, and it is a question of  whether that is the best way to spend that money. I think the other issues of free entry for our youth  is a separate issue, and certainly is important to discuss, but I think that also .. we have been talking  about free entry to the Jersey museum, we have not been talking about free entry to all of our other  museums in the Island.  

6. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour of the Chief Minister regarding establishing a  taskforce to urgently tackle child poverty in Jersey (OQ.65/2026).  

Will the Chief Minister agree to establish a taskforce, or similar, to urgently tackle child poverty in  Jersey; and if so, what will the timeline and budget be for this work?  

Senator L.J. Farnham (The Chief Minister):  

I, together with all Ministers, share the Deputy 's concern about the pressures facing children and  families in Jersey, especially those arising from affordability and the cost of living. The Government  is considering a number of options for how we can bring a stronger, more co-ordinated focus to these  issues, including whether a taskforce, commission or similar time-limited body could help identify  practical measures to improve affordability and support families. Ministers met with a delegation of  local charities and other experts over the summer, and a further meeting is planned for next week,  and we are focused on identifying real practical help based on their advice. No decision has yet been  taken on the precise form, timetable or budget, but reducing the cost of living and making Jersey  

more affordable remains a top priority for the Government and will play a central role in the Common  Strategic Policy.  

1. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet :  

I thank the Chief Minister for his response, and after the conversations that we had I am really pleased  to see that there is something happening within Government. What I would like to understand is will  there be actions set and decided upon in time to allocate funds in the forthcoming Budget?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

We certainly hope in the forthcoming Budget to build upon the work of the previous Government. Some help we have put in place for families included free G.P. (general practitioner) visits for children; extended childcare provisions for 2 to 3 year-olds; the roll out of school lunches in primary schools; significant additional funding for Children Services; and we will be building upon those in the forthcoming Budget. As I say, it does remain a top priority. We will be starting to address and provide help with cost-of-living measures, but I think the real work is around how understanding the affordability challenges, not just for children and families, but we need to understand what practical changes can be made over the next 4 years to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, increase disposable household incomes and make Jersey a more affordable place for all Islanders in which to live, work and have families. It is a complex piece of work that we need to fully understand.

2. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade :

Child poverty and indeed families who are living in relative poverty in Jersey also are more likely to  suffer from consequential potentially health-related issues, and we have seen that in Jersey. Obesity  figures and overweight figures for children in Jersey are higher than elsewhere. When this was raised  recently, it seemed that one media report said the Government of Jersey's Ministers said the Minister  for Children and Families and the Minister for Health and Social Services were both unavailable for  comment. I understand that Ministers were effectively passing the buck as to who was responsible  for this area of children's welfare. Could the Chief Minister clarify that the reality is that all  Government Ministers take responsibility but clarify who is the point of contact that should be  dealing with these particular issues?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

Ultimately that is correct, the Government is responsible and the Government is accountable to this  Assembly, and this Assembly shares that joint responsibility to the wellbeing of all children, as the   Deputy will know. I hope that answers the question.  

3. Deputy M. Tadier :  

I suppose the question is, when it comes to this particular issue, which I think is directly linked to  child poverty and the health issues that arise, who would he seek to be updating him at the Council  of Ministers on those kinds of issues from his Ministerial team?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

It is a general question. It would depend on the details of, or the facts of, the particular case that was  being approached. The Minister for Health and Social Services is responsible for the health of the  Islanders; the Minister for Children and Families is responsible for the welfare of children; in nearly  all circumstances, the Minister for Education and Li felong Learning has responsibility for children;  and the overall responsibility will, of course, sit with the Government, but it depends on what issue. But I cannot reiterate enough the importance and the priority this Government is placing on improving not just the affordability and cost-of-living challenges for families and children, but children's health and wellbeing.

4. Connétable I. Gardiner of St. Helier :  

Given that J.O.L.S. (Jersey Opinions and Li festyle Survey) found that 45 per cent of households in   St. Helier would have been unable to afford unexpected, necessary expenses compared to 22 per cent  in  rural  Parishes,  does  the  Chief  Minister  accept  that  financial  hardship  is  disproportionally  concentrated in St. Helier , and will he ensure that any child poverty action considers targeted  measures for families living in the Parish?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

The statistics would indicate that, and I have said before, it is difficult to target support by Parish; we  try and target it by case because while the statistics, I think by the very nature of the Parish - the built- up area - the statistics are more challenging in St. Helier . We want to make sure that the support is  available right across the Island where it is needed. So, I am not sure how we would target support  to a particular part of the Island. What I am trying to say is we want to make sure that support goes  to whoever needs it, whichever part of the Island they live in.  

5. The Connétable of St. Helier :  

I would welcome a conversation with the Chief Minister because I do have some ideas as in physical  actives, green space and other areas that exist .. less exist in St. Helier compared to other Parishes. Does the Chief Minister also accept .. he mentioned that he is bringing organisations and charities together and I do believe there is lots of support available across charities, Government, Parish. How will the Chief Minister ensure there is a single, clear accessible way for families to find out what financial and practical support is available across the third sector, Government and Parishes, because the information is not readily accessible and in one place?

Senator L.J. Farnham :

Can I first say I wholeheartedly agree with the comments of the Connétable about the built-up area  and the importance of town regeneration. The increase of green space in St. Helier , that undoubtedly  has an impact on the welfare of parishioners, especially young people. We started to address that  with the youth club and looking at where we can introduce new green spaces to improve wellbeing  of parishioners. Could the Connétable just remind me of the final part of the second?  

The Bailiff :  

This is a question about setting up a taskforce, Connétable , we must not go too far away from that. What was your question?

The Connétable of St. Helier :

The question was that the taskforce would include Parishes, charity organisation and the Government,  the support is available, but there is no one information hub where people can access and see what is  available. Would this taskforce consider to create a joint information where people can go and say:  "I need dentist". One of the charities can support dentists, for example.  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

I do not see that being a key deliverable of whatever group we establish to advise on cost of living,  but it is an important issue for the Government. We started to work on that in the previous  Government to make it easier and co-ordinated, because we want to make sure that people that need  help and support are getting it. So, we will take that on board. It is a key priority for the Government,  and I will identify the Ministers and make sure we work with the Connétable and other Members to  ensure we improve our information to help Islanders receive what they are due.  

6. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central :  

In one of his previous answers, the Chief Minister mentioned meeting with a number of charities  within the sector. Could he tell the Assembly what the key messages were from those charities and  what actions he told those charities he would take next?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

The meeting was chaired by Senator Boleat and was attended with other Ministers. Li ke I said, there  is a follow-up meeting based on that. Senator Boleat and the Ministers went in really to listen to  some  of  the  concerns  which  are,  I  think,  well  known  by  most  Assembly  Members,  around  affordability and about the logistics of where help is received, and about a co-ordinated approach that  is required by Government and the third sector to find the right solution. Senator Boleat is following  up and chairing another meeting next week, I believe, and we will provide a report to the Council of  Ministers following that.  

7. Deputy L.V. Feltham :  

The Chief Minister also said that he was seeking to understand the costs that put pressure on families  and people living in poverty. Could he give an update on the work being undertaken to identify  minimum income standards for the Island, which was instigated in the last term of office and would  indeed inform this piece this work and any work that such taskforce would undertake?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

I have no update on that at the moment, but I will consult with the Minister for Social Security to  find out where we are and update the Deputy accordingly.  

8. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet :  

In terms of the actions being considered, Deputy Tadier mentioned the health of children. Would the  Chief Minister consider actions that would help families access healthy foods, such as extending the  healthy start vouchers or indeed making school meals fully funded?  

Senator L.J. Farnham :  

The answer to that is yes, on both counts.  

7. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North of the Minister for Sustainable Economic  Development  regarding  the  economic  impact  of  lowering  the  minimum  wage  (OQ.63/2026).  

Further to the Minister's letter regarding the minimum wage in Jersey, published in the Jersey  Evening Post on 17th August 2026, will he advise whether he has instructed his department to  investigate the economic impact of lowering the minimum wage and what policy discussions, if any,  he has had with the Minister for Social Security about this issue?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin of St. Helier North (The Minister for Sustainable Economic Development):  

I have not instructed my department to investigate the economic impacts of lowering the minimum  wage or of abolishing it. For the avoidance of doubt, the abolition of the minimum wage is not  something that is being, or has been, considered. The Minister for Social Security and I met on 20th  July to discuss the minimum wage and cost of living. We noted the economic analysis which had  been undertaken, including the economic assessment presented to our predecessors ahead of recent  increases in the minimum wage, and discussed my concerns about how the minimum wage was  impacting some industry sectors.  

1. Deputy M.B. Andrews :  

In his letter to the J.E.P. (Jersey Evening Post) the Minister made it quite clear that the minimum  wage was strangling the economy, and so if this is the case, is the Minister potentially going to  consider lowering the minimum wage and, as he said, so people could get more jobs?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

Our  meeting  with  the  Minister  for  Social  Security  concluded  that  it  was  right  to  allow  the  Employment Forum to continue and complete its work before recommending a minimum wage, and  my comments were based around economic indicators that had been produced by the Statistics Unit  and are available for all Members to read.  

2. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South :  

Does the Minister accept that a balanced economy allows people to spend money across the range of  services in the Island and allowing people to have money to spend on these services boosts our  economy?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

Yes,  that  is  fine  to  a  point,  but  when  increasing  the  minimum  wage  makes  our  businesses  uncompetitive then it ends up damaging our economy. I think that what I would like Members to  take away from .. if we are going to take one thing away today, please can it be that Jersey is suffering  from the unravelling of globalisation.  

[10:45]  

Most prominently, this can be seen by Brexit, which occurred a few years ago now, and we have now  got trade wars emerging around the world. We have got 2 world wars going on, and what this is  doing is it is stopping the free movement of labour, it is stopping the free movement of capital and  goods, and it is basically pushing up prices. It is pushing up the cost - all costs of business - in Jersey  and also in other economies. These are structural problems that we have. The problem is that we  cannot apply a cyclical solution, i.e. putting up the minimum wage, to address a structural solution. All we will end up doing is making our businesses uncompetitive. This is already happening in our visitor economy and what worries me is that it is going to happen in other parts of our economy as well. We have got to make sure that we maintain our economy as a competitive economy, and what I think everybody in this Assembly wants to do, is to see people have a better standard of living. The question is: are we going to do that just by putting up the minimum wage? That puts up inflation, so the money does not actually stay in people's pockets, it just flows out through increased food prices and increased rentals. So, really, we need to look at other structural solutions to address our structural problem so that more money will stay in people's pockets.

3. Deputy T.A. Coles :

I am just trying to digest everything that the Minister said there. I thought they were limited to 90  seconds in an answer, that felt longer. Though I agree with the Minister in that structural change is  necessary, one of the biggest challenges the Island faces is recruitment and retention. By not allowing  significant wages to be paid to people doing some of the most, what are considered, unskilled but  essential work in our Island, are we not going to hamstring other sections of our economy by not  being able to provide them other services?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

This comes back to the point that I was making about the free movement of labour has been  interrupted. We used to get a lot of labour in Jersey from Europe, eastern Europe in particular, and  that labour is no longer available So the market is working inasmuch as where people have got to  pay people more money to attract them, then those businesses, those services, are attracting those  

people, and the issue really is about Government taking a step back and allowing the free market to  work but also making sure that there is a safety net for people so that we do not see that people are  being abused through very low wages.  

4. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement :  

The Minister has also said he will not pursue abolition. Is it still the case that the Minister is  personally opposed to a statutory minimum wage despite being a Minister in a Government which  has explicitly said it will not abolish it?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

No, I am absolutely not opposed to a minimum wage. Not at all. But, yes, that is the answer. No, I  am not. Definitely not.  

5. Deputy K.M. Wilson :  

Does he believe therefore that the current minimum wage of £13.59 is too high, and if so, what rate  does he believe would be appropriate?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

I have seen evidence that the minimum wage at £13.59 is too high for some sectors of our economy,  and I have been told this by the Chief Executive of Jersey Business, who has seen the accounts of a  number of businesses that are struggling. That is why I am particularly keen that we need to do  something to help these businesses, because they need to regain their competitiveness.  

6. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity :  

The Minister talked about tackling some structural issues, so could the Minister give some examples  of what those structural issues he would like to tackle going forward?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

Well, fuel prices have gone up significantly and I understand that the cost of a barrel of oil is going  up to nearly 100 dollars a barrel, so that is not going to come down anytime soon. This feeds right  the way through into our food prices, and generally the cost of things in Jersey are not going to come  down. The question is can we try and bear down on the cost of inflation, on the rate of inflation, so  that our increases are less?  

7. Deputy H.L. Jeune :  

Could the Minister explain how he sees going about to do that, that bearing down?   Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

Bearing down on the cost of living?  

Deputy H.L. Jeune :  

On the inflation that he was just talking about.  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

It is a question of making sure that every decision that is made by the States is cognisant of the effect  that it has on inflation. To give you an example that has been given to me by the Economic Adviser,  the increase in the minimum wage in 2025 accounted for inflation of 1.4 per cent. When you compare  that to the overall rate of inflation of 3.7 per cent for R.P.I.X. (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage  interest), so that is excluding the cost of housing in it, it means that the cost of living .. sorry, the  minimum wage generated inflation was nearly about one-third of the overall inflation for that year. That is the sort of thing that we need to be cognisant about when we make these decisions in future.

8. Deputy M.B. Andrews :  

The Minister mentioned that some industries are struggling with the current minimum wage rate. So,  is the Minister potentially going to consider, alongside the Minister for Social Security, the setting  of different rates across different industries?  

Deputy F.G. Voisin :  

As I said earlier on, I think it is for the Employment Forum to come up with its recommendations. The Forum has received the opinion and the report of the Economic Adviser, and I think we need to see what it comes up with.

5.8.   Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central of the Minister for Health and Social Services  regarding  additional  funding  the  Minister  would  seek  through  the  2027  Budget  process  (OQ.69/2026).  

Further to the Minister's recent comments to ITV News that Health and Care Jersey will require  additional funding, will he advise what additional funding he is intending to seek through the 2027  budget process?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet (The Minister for Health and Social Services):  

A couple of weeks ago, I raised the idea of establishing an economic growth fund with the Council  of Ministers so that work on growing the economy could start during 2027. Given that I consider a  first-class health service to be an essential component of an attractive place to live, visit and to invest,  I included additional funding for the health service. These discussions are ongoing but the principal  target areas are waiting list reductions, the development of a cancer centre, a replacement of essential  equipment, existing hospital maintenance, and a sum of money for the continuation of the New  Hospital Facilities Programme beyond Christmas 2026.  

1. Deputy L.V. Feltham :  

Can the Minister be more clear as to whether he has presented business cases to Treasury and how  much money he has asked for?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

No, I certainly have not presented a business case. I have opened a discussion about the possibility  of establishing a fund from which money could be withdrawn, subject to approval of appropriate  business cases.  

2. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade :  

Is the Minister saying that the amount of funding given will determine the model and the services  that he wishes to provide, or will he go to the Council of Ministers and say: "These are the services  I wish to provide, this is how much they will cost, and this is how much money I will need"? Which  of those 2 is the scenario we are talking about?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

I will try and clarify my situation. There is an ongoing discussion about standard funding for the  health service, and that is what it would have normally been had I not made this additional suggestion. What I am suggesting here is that we put together a fund of additional monies for growing the economy. I consider the health service to be an important part of that economy. That fund would be available for the projects that are put forward and approved in that initial stage, subject to those business cases being accepted.

3. Deputy M. Tadier :

I think the Minister is conflating 2 different issues. We are not talking about growing the economy  here, we are talking about health funding. So would the Minister specifically comment on - he  mentioned a cancer unit in Jersey in the future - could he clarify what his vision is for cancer treatment  in Jersey and what that would comprise of? For example, would it have radiotherapy on-Island? Would it have chemotherapy? Would he still be envisaging for people to travel? What would the cost model be for that? Is it funded? Is it something that is supported by the Council of Ministers?

The Bailiff :  

Well, Deputy , the question is about additional funding and not the detail of cancer services.   Deputy M. Tadier :  

What I am trying to do is interrogate something the Minister said in his initial question answer, and  I am using that as an example. I would like to know about the components. I do not know if the  Minister wants to sit down while I am talking. The question is all of these components which he has  either referred to now in his initial answer, are they predicated on the fact that they will be funded  fully in the Budget? That is what we are trying to get to the bottom of.  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

Forgive me, but I do not think I am conflating anything at all. I think having a really good health  service, if we are going to attract people to come and live here and work here and invest here, I think  we need a first-class health service. We do not have to have a first-class health service; we can have  one that is OK and we can just carry on as we are and deliver that. We can deliver an average health  service. But what I am suggesting is that if we want to grow the economy, health is an important  part of that and we should put more effort into making it better. Yes, a cancer centre is part of that  process. We have only just come out of an election, so I have been working with all of the various  people that are putting this together, and we are at an early stage. As I said, discussions are ongoing  and I am very happy to report to the Assembly how those discussions progress as we go. I do not  have all the answers as a finished proposal at this point in time because I simply have not had enough  time to work on them. But I make absolutely no apology for the work that I am doing or the  suggestions I am making.  

4. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South :  

Subject to another ITV article, it has highlighted that nearly 2,500 people are waiting for elective  surgeries and nearly 10,000 people were waiting for diagnostic tests. If the Minister is not being  proactive in requesting additional funding, how does he anticipate reducing these waiting times?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

I will simply answer that by saying I do not think there can be a better demonstration of me being  proactive than to be saying I want more money for the health service.  

5. Deputy T.A. Coles :  

But does the Minister not realise that this then has to be requested through the Budget process and  that is what we are trying to get answers on?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

Of course I accept that, that is why I introduced it as part of the Budget discussions.  

6. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity :  

We have been told, as an Assembly, that the Budget will be lodged within 3 weeks. Does the Minister  feel that he will be ready and his proposals will be part of that within 3 weeks?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

I think the best thing I can say there is that I certainly hope so.  

7. Deputy H.L. Jeune :  

If he is not able to, does the Minister have alternative ideas of how to ensure that there will be  additional funding for Health?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

I think I will have to cross that bridge when I come to it. I cannot think of any off-hand, but I shall  do my best in the coming 3 weeks to make sure that we secure as much money for Health as we  possibly can.  

8. Deputy L.V. Feltham :  

In the news item, the Minister for Health and Social Services said that the waiting times were  currently completely unacceptable. Given, as Deputy Jeune has rightly pointed out, we are a matter  of weeks away from the Budget being lodged, what is the process that the Minister for Health and  Social Services is following? Has the Treasury given the Minister for Health and Social Services a  process in order to request the amount of money that he needs? Why is there not a business case that  has been produced at this point in time?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

I am sorry, but I find this is just a bit of a nonsense. We have only just come out of an election. There is an awful lot of work going on. I have worked as much as I can throughout the summer to put as much forward as I can. I have put a lot of effort into the proposal that I have put to the Council of Ministers. I simply cannot do any more than I am doing, and if that is not good enough there is not much else I can say.

9. Deputy L.V. Feltham :

I do not think the Minister answered my question. I asked what process the Treasury had asked him  to go through.  

The Bailiff :  

Yes, what process have you been asked to go through by the Treasury in relation to this additional  funding? That is the question you have been asked.  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

I have not been asked to go through any process. I have put a proposal forward to the Council of  Ministers and it is under discussion. Nobody has told me that there is any other process required for  that to happen, and it has been happening, so I am .. perhaps the Deputy can tell me what she thinks  I should be doing that I am not doing.  

[11:00]  

9. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for Health and  Social  Services  regarding  the  development  of  adult  safeguarding  legislation  (OQ.76/2026).  

Will  the  Minister  advise  the  Government's  position  with  regard  to  the  development  of  adult  safeguarding legislation and, if the intention is to proceed with such legislation, when is it anticipated  this will be brought before the Assembly?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet (The Minister for Health and Social Services):  

Unfortunately, very little progress has been made in this area to date, but work is due to recommence  early next year on the development of adult emergency protection orders. This work started in late  2025, but was delayed simply because resources had to be refocused on matters related to the  prescribing of ketamine, medicinal cannabis and alongside advertising of medicines. The proposed  emergency protection orders legislation, which will allow for relevant professionals to enter premises  to conduct welfare assessments on adults suspected of being at risk of abuse or neglect, will also  bring forward a number of statutory safeguarding duties on services, including a duty to operate, to  carry out enquiries, to share information and to report safeguarding concerns. I hope that helps.  

1. Deputy H.L. Jeune :  

I thank the Minister for his answer. It is a shame that the Assembly was told in March 2025 that  adult emergency protection orders would be prioritised and 18 months' later we hear that it has not  been prioritised. There is of course a 2-stage approach that the Minister had set out back then. Can  the Minister confirm what specific timetable related to the wider provision assessments for vulnerable  adults that were supposed to follow these emergency protection orders and when that will be done?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

Certainly. On this one I cannot say more than that work will commence again early next year. I shall  try and produce a timetable for completion; I do not have that with me. I would need to consider that  very carefully because I do not want to make promises here that we cannot stick to. I will say that  we have got real resource problems in this area and we have had to move on to other things that have  had a higher priority. That is very unfortunate but we will be back on to that early in the new year.  

2. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South :  

Just to pick up on the legislation itself, can the Minister confirm whether any instruction has been  given to include in adult safeguarding about self-neglect?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

I can make that enquiry but at this point in time I would not know.  

3. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour :  

If and when this legislation is produced, are the services that would pair with that legislation up to  scratch? Do they have enough funding and is that something the Minister will ensure happens  alongside the development of any legislation?  

Senator T.J.A. Binet :  

As I say, this is going to be some time away but I am very happy to take that point on board and  ensure that that is the case. Thank you.  

4. Deputy H.L. Jeune :  

Endorsing what Deputy Doublet said about the fact that this legislation is coming very late - we heard  about it in 2024 and it is still not coming - what assurance can the Minister give that adults at risk in  Jersey are not left relying solely on the Capacity and Self-Determination (Jersey) Law 2016 or the  Mental Health (Jersey) Law 2016 because these are not designated as safeguarding frameworks? Could the Minister assure us that there is a risk assessment being done and that there is support there for adults at risk to be within the safeguarding framework rather than those laws that are inadequate?

Senator T.J.A. Binet :

Well I can confirm that we will make every effort that we possibly can but I cannot bring that  legislation forward any faster than we are doing, but we will do our best in the meantime.  

10. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity of the Minister for Justice and  Home Affairs regarding legislation for a scheme of mandatory post-release probation  supervision (OQ.77/2026).  

Further to Written Question 351/2025 regarding a scheme of mandatory post-release probation  supervision first recommended in 2017, will the Minister provide an update on the progress of  legislation, which was awaiting drafting capacity in 2025, and advise when this legislation will be  brought forward?  

Senator H.M. Miles (The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs):  

Development work on a system of post-custodial supervision has continued since my predecessor  answered that question in September last year. There has been continuing engagement with the Law  Officers' Department and the Legislative Drafting Office to ensure that the work can be progressed  as soon as drafting capacity is allocated. I expect that we will be able to deliver this legislation in  2027 barring any unforeseen issues.  

5.10.1   Deputy H.L. Jeune :  

I thank the Minister for her answer and a clear date in 2027. Of course, finalising drafting instructions  and bringing the law forward does not cover the delivery of mandatory post-release supervision in  practice. Could the Minister confirm whether she intends to bid for funding for implementation for  the next Budget or the 2028 Budget?  

Senator H.M. Miles :  

I thank the Deputy for the question. Yes, as was mentioned in the previous question, this legislation  will not be brought forward before sufficient resources are allocated to the Probation Service to  perform the function.  

11. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade of the Minister for the Environment regarding the  materials dredged from St. Aubin's Harbour and deposited on the foreshore between St.  Aubin's Fort and the St. Aubin's Yacht Club (OQ. 78/2026).  

Will the Minister advise what concerns, if any, have been raised with her regarding the materials  dredged from St. Aubin's Harbour and deposited on the foreshore between St. Aubin's Fort and the  St. Aubin's Yacht Club?  

Senator M.R. Le Hegarat (The Minister for the Environment):  

I thank the Deputy for the question. I note that, having been copied into the letter on the issue, you  will be aware, as I am, of the concerns raised on behalf of 24 residents. For the benefit of the  Assembly the issues raised to me, Infrastructure and Environment Officers and Ports of Jersey focus  on the deposit of material dredged from St. Aubin's Harbour to the foreshore by contractors on behalf  of Ports of Jersey. The letter raises concerns of impacts on protected habitats, wildlife and public  safety. The deposition of spoil dredged from the harbour for navigation was deposited under a Food  and Environmental Protection Act licence issued by my department. This has been a regular practice  for many years that has not raised issues in the past. On this occasion it is because it was identified  that the normal place of depositing the spoil that was used in previous years had the potential of  detrimental impact on the environment. Where they deposited it in the past the seagrass was  flourishing; therefore, another site had to be used. I have asked our Marine Resources officer to  review the matter alongside colleagues from Ports of Jersey. Officers will look to meet with the  complainants in the coming days and review the situation before reporting back to me so a course of  action can be decided.  

5.11.1   Deputy M. Tadier :  

If I can thank the Minister initially for taking the matter on; I know she has been copied into the  correspondence. For example, there are concerns about where the sludge, as I would call it, because  it is a very clayey material, ends up, for example, on the causeway to St. Aubin's Fort and it seems  to have caused issues for people wanting to cross over to that area, as well as other potential impacts  on the beach there. Could I ask the Minister, when it comes to the relationship between her role and  Ports of Jersey, who regulates Ports of Jersey when these kind of issues are related? Or does she  believe that she and Ports of Jersey are working hand-in-glove on this?  

Senator M.R. Le Hegarat :  

As I said, when the Ports want to dredge the harbour, therefore, a licence is granted by my department. It is unfortunate that on this occasion .. as I said, there have been a number of years; the licence was issued in March of 2024 and expired in May of this year. Obviously where they had been depositing the spoil in the last 2 years it had not been a problem. Unfortunately, on this particular occasion this has been identified. I think it will be important moving forward that when they are going to dredge and when they are going to deposit, there is correspondence. There are parts of the licence which will tell them that they have to notify the department when they are going to do the dredging. There are a specific amount of days as to which they are allowed to dredge and they need to notify the department. So I think, having identified this issue on this occasion, I am quite confident that my department, if a new licence is requested, that those recommendations will be put in and that moving forward this will not happen again or hopefully it should not.

12. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour of the Minister for Health and Social Services  regarding an update in the development of the Women's Health Strategy (OQ.66/2026).  

Will the Minister please provide an update on the development of the Women's Health Strategy?  Senator T.J.A. Binet (The Minister for Health and Social Services):  

Could I ask the Deputy if she would be happy to let my Assistant Minister with responsibility for this  area answer this question?  

Connétable  A.   Howell  of   Trinity  (Assistant  Minister  for  Health  and  Social  Services  -  

rapporteur):  

I thank the Deputy for her question. The development of the Women's Health Strategy is progressing  in accordance with the commitment set out in the 2026 Government Budget. The strategy will be  published by the end of the year. It will be informed by the findings of the Women's Health (Jersey)  Strategic  Needs  Analysis  published  in  2024,  including  the  voices  of  women  and  girls  who  participated in this J.S.N.A. (Joint Strategic Needs Assessment) process and with further insight  provided by healthcare professionals, women's groups and the service users who participated in the  strategy engagement event held in May 2026.  

1. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet :  

I thank the Assistant Minister for her answer. It is good to hear that the work is progressing. I would  like to understand whether funding for this strategy will be put in place in this year's budget or  whether that will be in next year's budget or some kind of interim arrangement.  

The Connétable of Trinity :  

The purpose of the strategy is to establish priorities and identify where improvements are required  across women's health services. In most cases those improvements will be funded via existing  budgets which may require changes to the way we deliver existing services, including perhaps  reallocation of resources.  

2. Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South :  

Does the Assistant Minister consider as part of the strategy-to-be the principle of believe and enquire  women in the first instance?  

The Connétable of Trinity :  

Yes, we are engaging with women in all sectors.  

3. Deputy T.A. Coles :  

I meant that in regard to medical practitioners as in to believe and enquire more further into women's  health situations rather than having to come back later and being disbelieved and potentially gaslit  by professionals in these instances.  

The Connétable of Trinity :  

I think some professionals are very good in this area but other professionals may need perhaps to  have more education and that will form part of the strategy.  

4. Deputy L.V. Feltham of St. Helier Central :  

I have had a number of conversations in the past with the Deputy about how we can see some better  movement on the strategy. We spoke at the time, I suggested an action plan being developed so that  we could track actions. Will the Deputy ..  

The Bailiff :  

Connétable or Assistant Minister.   Deputy L.V. Feltham :  

Sorry, the Connétable . Apologies, Connétable ; I did speak to her when she was a Deputy on this. Will she commit to having an action plan that can be tracked and funded as well?

The Connétable of Trinity :

I thank the Deputy for her question. We have spoken at length over the last 2½ years and we have  had an action plan for women. We have not been just sitting idly by. We have improved quite a few  things already within women's health. We will continue to do that because that is my priority and I  make a commitment to that.  

5. Deputy L.V. Feltham :  

I cannot resist this one. Has a business case been put forward for funding for the women's health  strategy in this Budget?  

The Connétable of Trinity :  

Not as yet.  

6. Deputy L.M.C. Doublet :  

The Assistant Minister said: "Not as yet." Does that mean she is planning to bid for any additional  funding? Could she also address the issue of primary care, as in, the U.K. women's health hubs have  been rolled out into all areas of England. We do have an excellent women's health hub in Jersey but  it is of course only accessible to those who can afford to pay. Is that something that is being  considered as part of this work?  

The Connétable of Trinity :  

We do have another very good women's health hub at Enid Quenault which is doing excellent work  in fertility, assisted reproduction, in helping people who had lots of miscarriages. We are just setting  up a new P.M.O.S. (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) Clinic, so we do have a health hub  where patients can go at the moment to receive care.  

13. Connétable I. Gardiner of St. Helier of the Minister for Housing regarding the needs of  pet-owning tenants when designing and managing high-density social housing (OQ.  75/2026).  

Will the Minister advise what consideration, if any, is given to the needs of pet-owning tenants when  designing and managing high-density social housing and whether, in his assessment, Andium Homes  tenants have reasonable options to keep pets safely when they do not have access to private outdoor  space?  

[11:15]  

Deputy M.R. Ferey of St. Saviour (The Minister for Housing):  

I thank the Connétable for her question. The primary purpose of social housing is to provide safe,  affordable homes for Islanders in housing need. Different developers provide different forms of  outdoor space and inevitably not every home will have a private garden. What is important is that  an appropriate outdoor amenity is provided and that the limited land available for housing is used  effectively having regard to building by-law and planning requirements. Andium Homes and the  Housing Trust permit tenants to keep pets in accordance with their tenancy agreements but it remains  for tenants to satisfy themselves the property is suitable for the type of pet they wish to keep.  

1. The Connétable of St. Helier :  

I am sure the Minister is aware that this question came following Andium's decision. What  considerations were given to tenants who had a pet according to their tenancy agreement and the ban  on using balconies was introduced in the middle of their agreement? What solutions were offered  for the tenants?