Further to Written Question 214-2026

WQ.229/2026

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND REGULATION

BY DEPUTY L.V. FELTHAM OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 26th OCTOBER 2026

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 2026

Question

"Further to the response to Written Question 214/2026, and his subsequent media statements concerning hazards in agricultural workers' accommodation, will the Minister –

1. publish the evidence and officer advice supporting his statement that all identified hazards had been dealt with, including when the evidence was made available and the advice provided;
2. explain how that statement aligns with his written answer that outstanding remedial works could not readily be quantified, his Assembly answer that hazards were generally addressed quickly, and the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs' statement that work to resolve hazards was ongoing;
3. confirm how many of the 315 hazards had been verified as resolved when he spoke to the media, how this was checked, and whether any remained subject to temporary measures, outstanding repairs or unverified completion;
4. identify any survey, inspection data or research supporting his comparison with hazards in most Jersey homes, including whether it concerned hazards of comparable severity; and
5. state whether he will correct or clarify his statements to the Assembly and the media if the evidence does not substantiate them?"

Answer

1. I have asked officers to compile a report on this programme of work setting out the scope of the inspections undertaken, the nature and extent of the hazards identified, and the progress made to date. This is intended to ensure that the context, evidence and timeline of decision making are presented fully and transparently. I intend to publish the report by the end of the year. Any information published will be presented at an aggregated level and will not identify individual properties, residents or landlords.
2. The statements referenced relate to different aspects of the programme or to different stages of the work. My officers are inspecting properties in accordance with the Public Health and Safety (Rented Dwellings) (Jersey) Law 2018 but are working closely with partners through the Migrant Safeguarding Partnership to support a coordinated approach to accommodation, welfare and safeguarding  matters.  The  forthcoming  report  will  provide  context  regarding  the  distinction between hazards that have been addressed, hazards requiring ongoing monitoring, and the wider remedial works that remain in progress.
3. The report will set out the methodology used by officers to assess and verify compliance, including the number and type of hazards identified, the measures taken to address them, and the processes used to confirm completion. It has not been necessary to issue any formal notices.
4. The comparison was not based on any specific survey, inspection data or research study examining hazards  across  Jersey  homes.  The  comment  was  a  general  observation  regarding  housing conditions.
5. I am committed to ensuring that information provided to the Assembly and the public is accurate and appropriately contextualised. The forthcoming report will set out the evidence available in relation to the inspection programme, the hazards identified, and the actions taken to address them.