R.106/2026 Proposed Order

WQ.133/2026

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY H.L. JEUNE OF ST. JOHN, ST. LAWRENCE AND TRINITY QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 6th JULY 2026

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 13th JULY 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. Given the "budget neutral principle" as outlined above, this is not a consideration.
3. See above. None, as none is needed.