States Minutes 8 December 2025
This content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments. Please see the PDF for the official version of the document.
THE STATES assembled on Monday 8th December 2025, at 9.30 a.m. under the Presidency of the Bailiff ,
Robert James MacRae , Esquire.
__________________
All members were present at roll call with the exception of –
Connétable Deidre Wendy Mezbourian of St. Lawrence – ill
Connétable Richard Vibert of St. Peter – en défaut
Connétable Karen Shenton-Stone of St. Martin – ill
Deputy Geoffrey Peter Southern of St. Helier Central – en défaut (défaut raised at 10.17 a.m.) Deputy Lyndon John Farnham of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter – en défaut (défaut raised at 9.53 a.m.) Deputy Philip Francis Cyril Ozouf of St. Saviour – suspended
__________________
Prayers
__________________
Standing Order 55A – remote participation
THE STATES, with reference to their Act dated 14th September 2021, in which they had agreed that, notwithstanding Standing Order 55A(1), Members who did not wish to attend in the States Chamber might continue to take part in States meetings using Microsoft Teams (until the States had considered and voted upon a proposition to re-apply Standing Order 55A(1) or to repeal or vary the terms of the Standing Order), assembled in accordance with Standing Order 55A with Members able to participate remotely using Microsoft Teams. The following Members attended remotely, either for all or part of the meeting –
Connétable Philip Bond Le Sueur of Trinity
Deputy Louise Mary Catherine Doublet of St. Saviour Deputy Ian Joseph Gorst of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter Deputy Mary Rose Scott of St. Brelade
Subordinate enactments tabled
The following enactments were tabled, namely –
Nursing Homes (2026 Fees) (Jersey) Amendment Order 2025. R&O.83/2025. Chief Minister.
Companies (Transfer of Shares – Exemptions) (Jersey) Amendment Order 2025. R&O.84/2025. Minister for External Relations.
Misuse of Drugs Law (Jersey) Amendment Order 2025. R&O.85/2025. Minister for Health and Social Services.
Long-Term Care Services (Health and Social Services Charges) (Jersey) Amendment R&O.86/2025. Order 2025.
Minister for Health and Social Services.
Petroleum (Licensing) (Fees) (Jersey) Order 2025. R&O.87/2025.
Minister for Justice and Home Affairs.
Home Affairs (Fire and Rescue – 2026 Fees) (Jersey) Amendment Order 2025. R&O.88/2025. Minister for Justice and Home Affairs.
Sanctions and Asset-Freezing (Automatic Implementation of UK Sanctions) (Jersey) R&O.89/2025. Amendment Order 2025.
Minister for External Relations.
Road Traffic (Motor Cycle Helmets) (Jersey) Amendment Order 2025. R&O.90/2025. Minister for Infrastructure.
Documents presented
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): comments. P.70/2025. Presented: 4th December 2025, Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel. Com.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): comments. P.70/2025. Presented: 4th December 2025, Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel. Com.(2).
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): comments. P.70/2025. Presented: 4th December 2025, Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel. Com.(3).
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): comments. P.70/2025. Presented: 4th December 2025, Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Com.(4). Panel.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): amendment (P.70/2025 P.70/2025. Amd.) – comments. Amd. Development Levies. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): second amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(2)) – comments. Amd.(2). Health Insurance Fund Contributions. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): fourth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(4)) – comments. Amd.(4). Grants to States Funds. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): fifth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(5)) – comments. Amd.(5). Upper Earnings Limit. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): sixth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(6)) – comments. Amd.(6). Stamp Duty holiday for right-sizing homes. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): seventh amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(7)) – comments. Amd.(7). Emergency Department fees. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): eighth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(8)) – comments. Amd.(8). Sport addition to Jersey Premium. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): ninth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(9)) – comments. Amd.(9). Climate Emergency. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): tenth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(10)) – comments. Amd.(10). Preventative Health. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twelfth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(12)) – comments. Amd.(12). Women's Health Strategy. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): thirteenth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(13)) – comments. Amd.(13). Fort Regent funding. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): fourteenth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(14)) – comments. Amd.(14). Mortgage Interest Tax Relief. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Minister for Treasury and Resources.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): fourteenth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(14)) – amendment (P.70/2025 Amd.(14).Amd.) – comments. Amd.(14). Mortgage Interest Tax Relief. Amd.Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Minister for Treasury and Resources.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): fifteenth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(15)) – comments. Amd.(15). Removal of 3% Stamp Surcharge. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): sixteenth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(16)) – comments. Amd.(16). Emergency Department fee changes. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): seventeenth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(17)) – comments. Amd.(17). Office of the Children's Commissioner for Jersey – 2026 Savings Allocation. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): eighteenth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(18)) – comments. Amd.(18). Statistics Jersey – Administrative Support Funding. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twentieth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(20)) – comments. Amd.(20). Teaching Jèrriais. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twenty-first amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(21)) – comments. Amd.(21). Delivering the £500,000 commitment for Neighbourhood Regeneration in St. Helier . Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twenty-second P.70/2025. amendment (P.70/2025 Amd.(22)) – comments. Amd.(22). Victoria Marine Lake – Repair and Maintenance. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twenty-third amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(23)) – comments. Amd.(23). Increased Police funding. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twenty-fourth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(24) – comments. Amd.(24). Violence against Women and Girls legislation and reporting. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twenty-fifth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(25)) – comments. Amd.(25). Funding for maintenance of Parish Churches. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twenty-sixth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(26)) – comments. Amd.(26). Inflation adjustment to apprenticeship grants. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twenty-seventh P.70/2025. amendment (P.70/2025 Amd.(27)) – comments. Amd.(27). Childcare funding rate. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twenty-eighth P.70/2025. amendment (P.70/2025 Amd.(28)) – comments. Amd.(28). Funding for respite care. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twenty-ninth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(29)) – comments. Amd.(29). Le Squez. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): thirty-first amendment. P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(31)) – amendment (P.70/2025 Amd.(31).Amd.) – comments. Amd.(31). Presented: 1st December 2025, Deputy A.F. Curtis of St. Clement . Amd.Com. Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): thirty-second amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(32)) – comments. Amd.(32). Environment Departmental Funding. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): thirty-third amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(33)) – comments. Amd.(33). Arts, Culture and Heritage funding. Com. Presented: 1st December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): thirty-fourth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(34)) – comments. Amd.(34). 2026 Election Budget. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Privileges and Procedures Committee.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): Thirty-Fifth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(35)) – comments. Amd.(35). Reduction in Public Expenditure. Com. Presented: 4th December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Draft Trusts (Jersey) Amendment Law 202- (P.89/2025): comments. P.89/2025. Presented: 3rd December 2025, Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel. Com.
Draft Taxation (International Tax Compliance) (Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework) P.99/2025. (Jersey) Regulations 202- (P.99/2025): comments. Com. Presented: 2nd December 2025, Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel.
Draft Taxation (Implementation) (International Tax Compliance) (Common Reporting P.100/2025. Standard) (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202- (P.100/2025): comments. Com. Presented: 2nd December 2025, Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel.
Draft Register of Names and Addresses (Jersey) Amendment Law 202- (P.109/2025) – P.109/2025. Children's Rights Impact Assessment. Add. Presented: 2nd December 2025, Chief Minister.
Draft Criminal Justice (Young Offenders) (Jersey) Amendment No. 2 Law 202- P.110/2025. (P.110/2025) – Children's Rights Impact Assessment. Add. Presented: 8th December 2025, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs.
Draft Alcohol Licensing (Jersey) Law 202- (P.112/2025) – Children's Rights Impact P.112/2025. Assessment. Add. Presented: 8th December 2025, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development.
Minimum Residential Space Standards: Review. R.170/2025. Presented: 26th November 2025, Minister for the Environment.
Records Advisory Panel: Appointment of Chair. R.171/2025. Presented: 2nd December 2025, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development.
Law Revision Board: summary of decisions – October 2025. R.172/2025. Presented: 4th December 2025, Law Revision Board.
Common Strategic Policy Report. S.R.5/2025. Presented: 27th November 2025, Common Strategic Policy Review Panel.
Proposed Budget 2026-2029 Review. S.R.6/2025. Presented: 3rd December 2025, Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel.
Notification of lodged propositions
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): third amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(3)) – amendment. Amd.(3). Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson – Head of Expenditure. Amd. Lodged: 1st December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): fifth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(5)) – amendment. Amd.(5).Amd. Upper Earnings Limit.
Lodged: 26th November 2025, Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South .
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): eleventh amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(11)) – amendment. Amd.(11). Overpayments of Social Security Contributions. Amd. Lodged: 1st December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): fourteenth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(14)) – amendment. Amd.(14). Mortgage Interest Tax Relief. Amd. Lodged: 1st December 2025, Deputy C.D. Curtis of St. Helier Central .
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): nineteenth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(19)) – amendment. Amd.(19). Extend free school meals. Amd. Lodged: 1st December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): twentieth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(20)) – amendment. Amd.(20). Teaching Jèrriais. Amd. Lodged: 8th December 2025, Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): thirtieth amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(30)) – amendment. Amd.(30). No Agricultural Loans for Cannabis-based products. Amd. Lodged: 1st December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): thirty-first amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(31)) – amendment. Amd.(31). Empty Residential Properties. Amd. Lodged: 1st December 2025, Deputy A.F. Curtis of St. Clement .
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): thirty-first amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(31)) – second amendment. Amd.(31). Empty Residential Properties. Amd.(2). Lodged: 1st December 2025, Council of Ministers.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): thirty-third amendment P.70/2025. (P.70/2025 Amd.(33)) – amendment. Amd.(33). Arts, Culture and Heritage funding. Amd. Lodged: 8th December 2025, Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade .
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 (P.70/2025): thirty-fifth amendment. P.70/2025. Reduction in Public Expenditure. Amd.(35). Lodged: 1st December 2025, Deputy K.L. Moore of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter .
Draft Limited Partnerships (Jersey) Amendment Law 202-. P.108/2025. Lodged: 26th November 2025, Minister for External Relations.
Draft Register of Names and Addresses (Jersey) Amendment Law 202-. P.109/2025. Lodged: 2nd December 2025, Chief Minister.
Draft Criminal Justice (Young Offenders) (Jersey) Amendment No. 2 Law 202-. P.110/2025. Lodged: 8th December 2025, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs.
Consultation on Fireworks and other Pyrotechnics. P.111/2025. Lodged: 8th December 2025, Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North .
Draft Alcohol Licensing (Jersey) Law 202-. P.112/2025. Lodged: 8th December 2025, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development.
Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel – appointment of member
In accordance with Standing Order 125(7) the Chair of the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel indicated that he wished to increase the size of the Panel to 4 members, including the Chair, and nominated Deputy Beatriz Borges de Sousa Vaz Moreno Porée of St. Helier South as a member of the Panel.
There being no other nominations, the Presiding Officer declared that Deputy Beatriz Borges de Sousa Vaz Moreno Porée of St. Helier South had been duly appointed as a member of the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel.
Written Questions
(see Official Report/Hansard)
WQ.444/2025 1. The Minister for Treasury and Resources had tabled an answer on 1st December 2025 to a
question asked by Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North regarding Blue Islands' debts. WQ.445/2025 2. The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning had tabled an answer on 1st December
2025 to a question asked by Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South regarding Plat Douet,
St. Luke's, and Springfield primary schools.
WQ.446/2025 3. The Minister for External Relations had tabled an answer on 1st December 2025 to a question
asked by Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour regarding increasing the bank deposit protection offered to Jersey bank customers.
WQ.447/2025 4. The Minister for Treasury and Resources had tabled an answer on 1st December 2025 to a
question asked by Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement regarding the financial exposure of the Government of Jersey to Blue Islands since 2019.
WQ.448/2025 5. The Minister for Treasury and Resources had tabled an answer on 1st December 2025 to a
question asked by Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity regarding the Independent PFAS Scientific Advisory Panel for Jersey – Third Report.
Oral Questions
(see Official Report/Hansard)
OQ.271/2025 1. Deputy D.J. Warr of St. Helier South asked a question of the Minister for Treasury and
Resources regarding the selection of SpaceHub Ltd to lead the redevelopment of the exterior area at Fort Regent.
OQ.269/2025 2. Deputy K.M. Wilson of St. Clement asked a question of the Minister for Social Security
regarding the full actuarial modelling evidence behind her recent public statement that the Social Security Fund could pay pensions and benefits for seven and half years.
OQ.266/2025 3. Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade asked a question of the Minister for Treasury and Resources
regarding the decision-making process for growth bids in the Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-29.
OQ.265/2025 4. Deputy M.B. Andrews of St. Helier North asked a question of the Chief Minister regarding a
technical efficiencies programme.
OQ.268/2025 5. Deputy H.L. Jeune of St. John , St. Lawrence and Trinity asked a question of the Minister for
the Environment regarding Amendment 32 to the Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026- 2029.
OQ.270/2025 6. Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade asked a question of the Minister for Sustainable Economic
Development regarding the total amount spent per year by Jersey Heritage on the promotion of Jèrriais.
OQ.267/2025 7. Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade asked a question of the Minister for Social Security regarding
the impact of reductions in the States Grant on the Social Security Fund.
Oral Questions without notice (see Official Report/Hansard)
The Minister for the Environment answered questions without notice from members. The Minister for External Relations answered questions without notice from members. The Chief Minister answered questions without notice from members.
Arrangement of Public Business for the Present Meeting
THE STATES, adopting a proposition of Deputy Kristina Louise Moore of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter , agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 26(7), to reduce the minimum lodging period in respect of her amendment (P.70/2025 Amd.(35)) to the proposition of the Council of Ministers entitled Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029' (P.70/2025), in order that it might be debated at the present meeting.
THE STATES, adopting a proposition of the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 80, to suspend Standing Order 32 in order that his amendment (P.70/2025 Amd.(20).Amd.) to the amendment of the Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel (P.70/2025 Amd.(20) to the proposition of the Council of Ministers entitled Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029' (P.70/2025) might be listed for consideration at the present meeting; and further agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 26(7), to reduce the minimum lodging period in respect of the same amendment in order that it might be debated at the present meeting.
THE STATES, adopting a proposition of the Minister for External Relations, agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 26(7), to reduce the minimum lodging period in respect of the Draft Taxation (International Tax Compliance) (Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework) (Jersey) Regulations 202- (P.99/2025), in order that they might be debated at the present meeting.
THE STATES, adopting a proposition of the Minister for External Relations, agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 26(7), to reduce the minimum lodging period in respect of the Draft Taxation (Implementation) (International Tax Compliance) (Common Reporting Standard) (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202- (P.100/2025) in order that they might be debated at the present meeting.
Members present voted as follows –
POUR: 43 CONTRE: 0 ABSTAINED: 0
Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. John Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Saviour Deputy G.P. Southern Deputy C.F. Labey
Deputy M. Tadier
Deputy S.G. Luce
Deputy L.M.C. Doublet Deputy K.F. Morel
Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat Deputy S.M. Ahier
Deputy R.J. Ward
Deputy C.S. Alves
Deputy I. Gardiner
Deputy I.J. Gorst
Deputy L.J. Farnham
Deputy K.L. Moore
Deputy S.Y. Mézec
Deputy T.A. Coles
Deputy B.B. de S.V.M. Porée Deputy D.J. Warr
Deputy H.M. Miles
Deputy M.R. Scott
Deputy J. Renouf
Deputy C.D. Curtis
Deputy L.V. Feltham
Deputy R.E. Binet
Deputy H.L. Jeune
Deputy M.E. Millar
Deputy A. Howell
Deputy T.J.A. Binet
Deputy M.R. Ferey
Deputy R.S. Kovacs
Deputy A.F. Curtis
Deputy B. Ward
Deputy K.M. Wilson Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson Deputy M.B. Andrews
THE STATES noted that, in accordance with Standing Order 34(1), Deputy Beatriz Borges de Sousa Vaz Moreno Porée of St. Helier South had informed the Greffier of the States that her amendment (P.70/2025 Amd.(7)) to the proposition of the Council of Ministers entitled Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029' (P.70/2025) had been withdrawn.
Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029 P.70/2025
THE STATES, commencing consideration of a proposition of the Council of Ministers entitled Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029' (P.70/2025), commenced consideration of an amendment of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel (P.70/2025 Amd.(3)), and, adopting an amendment of the Council of Ministers (P.70/2025 Amd.(3).Amd.), agreed that –
in part 1, for the words "be reduced by £398,000" there should be substituted "include the budget for the Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson, totalling £398,000.";
in part 1, for the words ", with a new row inserted to create a new head of expenditure entitled "Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson", with a proposed expenditure budget of £398,000" there should be substituted "A separate service area should be created within the Cabinet Office entitled the "Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson" and reported in the Annex to the Budget"; and
in part 2, for the words "A new head of expenditure for the establishment of a Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson" there should be substituted "The budget for a Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson in the Cabinet Office head of expenditure" and the word "created" should be substituted with "ring- fenced".
THE STATES, adopting the amendment of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, as amended, agreed that –
in paragraph (b)(viii), after the words "as set out in the Appendix 2 – Summary Tables 5(i) and (ii) of the Report" there should be inserted the words –
", except that, in Summary Table 5(i) the expenditure proposal for the Cabinet Office head of expenditure shall include the budget for the Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson, totalling £398,000. A separate service area should be created within the Cabinet Office entitled the "Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson" and reported in the Annex to the Budget."; and
in paragraph (b)(xii), after the words "as set out in the Appendix to the accompanying report", there should be inserted the words –
"except that, on page 42, immediately after Table 9, there should be inserted the following new paragraph –
"The budget for a Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson in the Cabinet Office head of expenditure, totalling £398,000, has been ring-fenced to ensure that this budget should not be used for any other States' purpose than the Jersey Public Services Ombudsperson, to ensure that this undertaking is incorporated into the workstream of any new Government and funded accordingly."".
THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and, adopting an amendment of Deputy Thomas Antony Coles of St. Helier South (P.70/2025 Amd.(6)), agreed that, in paragraph (b)(xii), after the words "in the Appendix to the accompanying Report" there should be inserted the words –
", except that on page 36 after the words "future Budgets", there should be inserted a new paragraph as follows –
"Stamp Duty Holiday for Right-Sizing Homes
The Government will undertake an investigation to establish a stamp duty holiday for those who are purchasing properties to down-size, alongside a framework to accurately track these transactions. A down-sizing transaction will be defined as one that involves those who are selling their current home to purchase a home with fewer bedrooms. The purpose of this stamp duty holiday will be to further incentivise right-sizing to increase the supply of family homes."".
THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and, adopting an amendment of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel (P.70/2025 Amd.(9)), agreed , in paragraph (b)(xii), after the words "Appendix to the accompanying Report", there should be inserted the words –
", except that on page 21, the table entitled "Figure 12 – Economic Wellbeing Risks" should be renamed "Figure 12 – Environmental Wellbeing Risks" and a new line entitled "Climate Emergency" should be inserted as follows –
Climate Emergency | The Budget includes feasibility funding of £1.9 million for the Shoreline Management Plan to alleviate coastal flooding, through the improvement of sea defences. The Budget includes proposals to increase Fuel Excise Duty and Vehicle Emissions Duty, with the income transferred to the Climate Emergency Fund to support the implementation of the Carbon Neutral Roadmap. |
THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and, adopting an amendment of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel (P.70/2025 Amd.(10)), agreed that, in paragraph (b)(xii), after the words "in the Appendix to the accompanying report" there should be inserted the words –
", except that, on page 45, after the words "improve the health of Islanders." there should be inserted the words –
" The Minister for Health and Social Services will produce a roadmap for delivering preventative health outcomes through a phased, evidence-led, whole-system approach. The Minister will involve the Wider Determinants of Health Ministerial Group in developing the roadmap to ensure ministerial accountability for the delivery and outcomes of the roadmap."".
THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and, adopting an amendment of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel (P.70/2025 Amd.(12)), agreed that, in paragraph (b)(xii), after the words "in the Appendix to the accompanying report" there should be inserted the words –
", except that on page 45, after the words "improve the health of Islanders." there should be inserted the following new paragraph –
"During 2026, the Minister for Health and Social Services will publish a Women's Health Strategy, which will be informed by the Women's Health and Wellbeing Joint Strategic Needs Assessment 2024."".
THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and, adopting an amendment of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel (P.70/2025 Amd.(16)), agreed that, in paragraph (b)(ii), after the words "in the Appendix to the accompanying report" there should be inserted the words –
", except that –
- on page 27, for the words "bringing forward two new fees to be introduced during 2026" there should be substituted the words "implementation in 2026 of the planned Did not attend' fees and the development of detailed proposals, that would be presented for approval by the States Assembly, for the introduction of fees encouraging the appropriate use of the Emergency Department"; and
- on page 28, for the words "Both fees will be introduced during 2026 after a period of advance public communications" there should be substituted the words "The Did not attend' fees will be introduced during 2026 after a period of advance public communications. However, the proposed Emergency Department fees will not be introduced until detailed, evidence- based proposals (including but not limited to ensuring that free access for genuine emergencies is not compromised and maintaining the safety and wellbeing of health care staff) have been presented to and approved by the States Assembly"".
THE STATES, resuming consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, commenced consideration of an amendment of Deputy Louise Mary Catherine Doublet of St. Saviour (P.70/2025 Amd.(19)), and, adopting an amendment of the Council of Ministers (P.70/2025 Amd.(19).Amd.), agreed that –
Part 1 should be deleted;
in Part 2, the following words should be deleted –
" The Budget allocates funds from the Chief Minister's funding for pilot schemes, to a pilot scheme intended to extend free primary school meals to additional households, including, but not limited to, single-parent families and, if feasible, households that would otherwise qualify for Income Support were they not owner-occupiers of a mortgaged residence."; and
in Part 2, the words "also utilise the additional data provided by the pilot scheme" should be substituted with "collect, collate and analyse the necessary data"; before the word "provision", there should be inserted "extending the"; and, after the words "primary schools," there should be inserted "and additional households, including, but not limited to, single-parent families and, if feasible, households that would otherwise qualify for Income Support were they not owner-occupiers of a mortgaged residence".
TH STATES, adopting the amendment of the Deputy Louise Mary Catherine Doublet of St. Saviour , as amended, agreed that, in paragraph (b)(xii) after the words "Appendix to the accompanying Report", there should be inserted the words –
", except that on page 45, after the words "to all 2–3-year-olds", there should be inserted a new paragraph as follows –
"During 2026 the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning will collect, collate and analyse the necessary data to explore the feasibility of extending the provision of free school meals to all non-fee- paying primary schools and additional households, including, but not limited to, single-parent families and, if feasible, households that would otherwise qualify for Income Support were they not owner- occupiers of a mortgaged residence, reporting to the Assembly prior to the end of 2026."".
THE STATES, resuming consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, commenced consideration of an amendment of the Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel
(P.70/2025 Amd.(20)), and, adopting an amendment of the Council of Ministers (P.70/2025 Amd.(20).Amd.), agreed that, in part 1, after the words "specifically ringfenced" there should be inserted the words ", for one year."
THE SATES, adopting the amendment of the Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel, as amended, agreed that, in paragraph (b)(xii), after the words "in the Appendix to the accompanying report" there should be inserted the words –
", except that, on page 47, after the words "Budgets for arts, culture and heritage funding will increase in future years, with inflation allocations for pay and non-pay.", there should be inserted the words –
"The Education and Lifelong Learning Head of Expenditure includes funding in the sum of £670,700 for promoting and teaching the language of Jèrriais. This will be specifically ringfenced, for one year, for this purpose and, also, further work will develop and renew the Jèrriais language strategy, which expires in 2025."".
THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and, adopting an amendment of the Connétable of St. Martin (P.70/2025 Amd.(24)), agreed that, in paragraph (b)(xii), after the words "in the Appendix to the accompanying report" there should be inserted the words –
", except that on page 45 after the words "included in Budget 2027.", there should be inserted the words –
"In order to support this, a draft proposal and expenditure for the new Violence Against Women and Girls legislation will be published in advance of April 2026 alongside a progress report of Recommendations implemented up to 1st May 2026, as part of the 2026 Violence Against Women and Girls: Annual Progress Report."".
THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and rejected an amendment of Deputy Sir Philip Martin Bailhache of St. Clement (P.70/2025 Amd.(4)), that –
in paragraph (a), after the words "Government Plan 2025 – 2028 (entitled "Budget 2025 – 2028) to" for the words –
"a reduction in the 2025 head of expenditure "Grants to States Funds" as included in Table 5 (i) Revenue Heads of Expenditure of that Government Plan from £119,821,000 to £69,821,000."
there should be substituted the words –
"a reduction in the 2025 head of expenditure "Grants to States Funds" as included in Table 5 (i) Revenue Heads of Expenditure of that Government Plan from £119,821,000 to £94,821,000. With a new row inserted in Summary Table 3, to transfer £25,000,000 from the Strategic Reserve Fund to the Consolidated Fund in 2025."
in paragraph (b)(iv), after the words "Appendix 2 – Summary Table 3 in line with Article 9(2)(b) of the Law" there should be inserted the words –
", except that in Summary Table 3 the values for the transfer from the Social Security (Reserve) Fund to the Social Security Fund should be reduced by £24,632,000 in 2026, £25,528,000 in 2027, £26,335,000 in 2028 and £27,141,000 in 2029. With a new row inserted to transfer the following amounts from the Strategic Reserve Fund to the Consolidated Fund; £24,632,000 in 2026, £25,528,000 in 2027, £26,335,000 in 2028 and £27,141,000 in 2029."; and
in paragraph (b)(viii), after the words "Appendix 2 – Summary Tables 5(i) and (ii) of the Report" there should be inserted the words –
", except that in Summary Table 5(i) the head of expenditure for Grants to States Funds should be increased from £63,128,000 to £87,760,000 in 2026, with the States grant to the Social Security Fund rebased to £75,000,000 before one-off deductions to fund capital and to support the transition towards the living wage. For 2027 – 2029 the £75,000,000 States grant to the Social Security Fund should be uprated using Average Earnings.".
Members present voted as follows –
POUR: 15
Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Saviour Deputy I. Gardiner Deputy K.L. Moore Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache Deputy D.J. Warr
Deputy H.M. Miles Deputy J. Renouf
Deputy H.L. Jeune Deputy T.J.A. Binet Deputy A.F. Curtis Deputy K.M. Wilson
CONTRE: 25
Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of St. John Connétable of St. Ouen
Deputy G.P. Southern
Deputy C.F. Labey
Deputy M. Tadier
Deputy S.G. Luce
Deputy K.F. Morel
Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat
Deputy S.M. Ahier
Deputy R.J. Ward
Deputy C.S. Alves
Deputy I.J. Gorst
Deputy L.J. Farnham
Deputy S.Y. Mézec
Deputy T.A. Coles
Deputy B.B. de S.V.M. Porée Deputy M.R. Scott
Deputy C.D. Curtis
Deputy L.V. Feltham
Deputy R.E. Binet
Deputy M.E. Millar
Deputy R.S. Kovacs
Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson Deputy M.B. Andrews
ABSTAINED: 3
Deputy L.M.C. Doublet Deputy M.R. Ferey Deputy B. Ward
THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and rejected an amendment of Deputy David James Warr of St. Helier South (P.70/2025 Amd.(15)) that –
in paragraph (b)(i) after the words "Article 9(2)(a) of the Law", there should be inserted the words –
", except that in Summary Table 1 the income estimate for Stamp Duty in 2026 should be reduced by £1,300,000 to reflect the removal of the current higher rate surcharge on the sale of second homes for one year"; and
in paragraph (b)(xii), after the words "Appendix to the accompanying Report", there should be inserted the words –
", except that, on page 35, the section titled "Reduced higher rates of Stamp Duty on non-main residence properties" should be renamed "Removal of the higher rate of Stamp Duty on non- main residence properties", and for the words "A modest reduction of the surcharge is proposed, taking the surcharge down from 3 percent to 2 percent for one year" there should be substituted the words "The removal of the 3% surcharge is proposed for one year"."
Members present voted as follows –
POUR: 2 CONTRE: 42 ABSTAINED: 0
Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache Deputy D.J. Warr
Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. John Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Mary Connétable of St. Saviour Deputy G.P. Southern
Deputy C.F. Labey
Deputy M. Tadier
Deputy S.G. Luce
Deputy L.M.C. Doublet
Deputy K.F. Morel
Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat
Deputy S.M. Ahier
Deputy R.J. Ward
Deputy C.S. Alves
Deputy I. Gardiner
Deputy I.J. Gorst
Deputy L.J. Farnham
Deputy K.L. Moore
Deputy S.Y. Mézec
Deputy T.A. Coles
Deputy B.B. de S.V.M. Porée Deputy H.M. Miles
Deputy M.R. Scott
Deputy J. Renouf
Deputy C.D. Curtis
Deputy L.V. Feltham
Deputy H.L. Jeune
Deputy M.E. Millar
Deputy A. Howell
Deputy T.J.A. Binet
Deputy M.R. Ferey
Deputy R.S. Kovacs
Deputy A.F. Curtis
Deputy B. Ward
Deputy K.M. Wilson
Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson Deputy M.B. Andrews
THE STATES resumed consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, and rejected an amendment of Deputy Sir Philip Martin Bailhache of St. Clement (P.70/2025 Amd.(13)), that –
in paragraph (b)(iii), after the words "in line with Article 9(2)(c) of the Law, of up to those revised approval amounts", there should be inserted the words –
", except that in Summary Table 2, the row including borrowing of £43,000,000 for Fort Regent should be deleted";
in paragraph (b)(iv), after the words "Appendix 2 – Summary Table 3 in line with Article 9(2)(b) of the Law" there should be inserted the words –
", except that in Summary Table 3, the transfer from the Consolidated Fund to Strategic Reserve (Fort Regent) of £1,300,000 in 2029, should be deleted";
in paragraph (b)(vi), after the words "Appendix 2 – Summary Table 4 to the Report" there should be inserted the words –
", except that in Summary Table 4, the row entitled Fort Regent Redevelopment should be deleted"; and
in paragraph (b)(viii), after the words "Appendix 2 – Summary Tables 5(i) and (ii) of the Report" there should be inserted the words –
", except that –
- in Summary Table 5(i), the head of expenditure entitled Financing Costs should be reduced by £650,000; and
- in Summary Table 5(ii), the project head of expenditure entitled Fort Regent Redevelopment should be deleted;
with any consequential amendments to be reflected as necessary throughout the Budget". Members present voted as follows –
POUR: 10 CONTRE: 34 ABSTAINED: 0
Connétable of St. Helier Connétable of Trinity Connétable of St. Saviour Deputy S.M. Ahier Deputy K.L. Moore Deputy Sir P.M. Bailhache Deputy D.J. Warr
Deputy A.F. Curtis Deputy K.M. Wilson Deputy M.B. Andrews
Connétable of St. Brelade Connétable of St. John Connétable of St. Clement Connétable of Grouville Connétable of St. Ouen Connétable of St. Mary
Deputy G.P. Southern
Deputy C.F. Labey
Deputy M. Tadier
Deputy S.G. Luce
Deputy L.M.C. Doublet
Deputy K.F. Morel
Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat
Deputy R.J. Ward
Deputy C.S. Alves
Deputy I. Gardiner
Deputy L.J. Farnham
Deputy S.Y. Mézec
Deputy T.A. Coles
Deputy B.B. de S.V.M. Porée Deputy H.M. Miles
Deputy M.R. Scott
Deputy J. Renouf
Deputy C.D. Curtis
Deputy L.V. Feltham
Deputy R.E. Binet
Deputy H.L. Jeune
Deputy M.E. Millar
Deputy A. Howell
Deputy T.J.A. Binet
Deputy M.R. Ferey
Deputy R.S. Kovacs Deputy B. Ward
Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson
THE STATES, resuming consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers, as amended, commenced consideration of an amendment the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel (P.70/2025 Amd.(32)) and acceded to a request by the Chair of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel that, in accordance with Standing Order 69(4), Part 1 of the amendment be withdrawn.
Adjournment
THE STATES adjourned, having agreed to reconvene on Tuesday 9th December 2025, in order to continue consideration of the proposition of the Council of Ministers entitled Proposed Budget (Government Plan) 2026-2029' (P.70/2025), as amended, and the other outstanding items of public business.
THE STATES rose at 5.29 p.m.
W.J.C. MILLOW Deputy Greffier of the States