Approved Panel Minutes - Environment, Housing and Infrastructure - 2026

Present  

Deputy Hilary Jeune , Chair Deputy Tom Coles , Vice Chair Connétable David Johnson Deputy David Warr

Apologies

Deputy Alex Curtis

In attendance  

Jade Hahn , Committee and Panel Officer

Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Gwyn Garfield-Bennett, Communications Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on 17th and 18th December 2025.

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2.  Declarations and Conflicts of Interest

The Panel noted the declaration of interest section in the Scrutiny and Public Accounts Committee Proceedings Code of Practice. Panel members had no other new conflicts to declare in relation to the agenda items.

3.  Animal Welfare & Control Review

The Panel noted that a meeting with the States Veterinary Officer in relation to the operation of the Animal Welfare (Jersey) Law 2004 was scheduled to take place on Thursday 8th January 2026.

The Panel noted that written correspondence in relation to the principles of the Draft Animal Welfare (Jersey) Law 202- (P.97/2025) had been sent to the Minister for the Environment on 29th December 2025, and that a response would be provided in due course.

The Panel noted that written submissions from key stakeholders were due to be received by 12th January 2025. The Panel requested that Officers add stakeholder submissions as an item to be discussed at the next scheduled meeting.

The Panel noted that it was scheduled to receive the Minister for the Environment for a Quarterly Public Hearing on 29th January 2026 at 10:00am. The Panel requested that Officers reschedule the Quarterly Public Hearing to take place as a Public Hearing in relation to its Animal Welfare & Control review.

JH

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4.  Draft Food (Jersey) Regulations 202-

The Officer informed the Panel about methods of evidence collection in relation to the Panel’s scrutiny of the Draft Food (Jersey) Regulations 202-. The Panel noted that a briefing paper and  draft questionnaire questions had been prepared in relation to a targeted call for evidence from stakeholders.

The Panel discussed the draft questionnaire questions and agreed a number of changes.

The Panel requested that Communications Officers draft a social media post to accompany the questionnaire.

The Panel noted and discussed the proposals in relation to licence fees, as well as small retail premises and outlets that produced and sold food items for direct sale to consumers. The Panel requested that Officers produce research in relation to the matter for the Panel to consider at its next scheduled meeting.

JH GGB

JH

5.  Sea Fisheries (Trawling, Netting and Dredging) (Jersey) Regulations 2001 Amendments

The Panel noted that further research results and an Economic Impact Assessment in  relation  to  the  proposed  Marine  Protected  Areas  had  been  published  by Government on 18th December 2025.

The Panel noted that it was scheduled to receive Government Officers for a private briefing on the Amendments to the Sea Fisheries (Trawling, Netting and Dredging) (Jersey) Regulations 2001 on Friday 9th January 2026 at 2:00pm.

The Panel discussed its intended scrutiny approach and agreed to discuss further action following the private briefing on the proposed Amendments on Friday 9th January 2026.

6.  Quarterly Hearing: Minister for the Environment

The  Panel  noted  that  the  Quarterly  Public  Hearing  with  the  Minister  for  the Environment would be rescheduled to take place during the week commencing 9th February 2026.

The Panel discussed and approved question areas and requested that Officers draft a question plan for the Panel to consider and approve.

JH

7.  Correspondence

The Panel noted and discussed correspondence received from members of the public in relation to the recent installation of a 5G Mast in St Helier. The Panel agreed a response and requested that the Officer provide the response to the member of the public by email.

The Panel noted and discussed correspondence received from members of the public in relation to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (P.F.A.S). The Panel requested that Officers produce a briefing paper collating the evidence gathered by the Panel to date on the topic of P.F.A.S.

JH

BW

8.  Briefings

The Panel noted that it was scheduled to receive private briefings on:

• The  results  of  the  Fort  Regent  Consultation  on  7th  January  2026  at 12:00pm.

• The Public Realm on 14th January 2025 at 11:30am.

9.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next meeting was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 14th January 2025, at 9:30am in the Le Capelain Room, States Building.

Present  

Deputy Hilary Jeune , Chair Deputy Tom Coles , Vice Chair Connétable David Johnson Deputy David Warr

Apologies

Deputy Alex Curtis

In attendance  

Susana Ramos, Chief States’ Veterinary Officer Jade Hahn , Committee and Panel Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Animal Welfare & Control Review

The Panel met with the Chief States Veterinary Officer (the ‘CSV’) as part of its ongoing Animal Welfare & Control Review and the forthcoming debate on the principles of the  Draft Animal Welfare (Jersey) Law 202-,  scheduled for 20th January 2026.

The CSV explained that the Animal Welfare (Jersey) Law 2004 was based on outdated UK legislation dating back to 1911 and is no longer fit for purpose. Although  it  reflected  standards  at  the  time  of  enactment,  changes  in  animal behaviour research, breeding practices, and broader welfare expectations had rendered parts of the 2004 law obsolete. She confirmed that while the review of the legislation began several years ago, a full redraft was not completed until now due to competing priorities, including work related to Brexit. It was also explained that updating the legislation at this time would strengthen Jersey’s position in the upcoming Brexit “reset” negotiations.

The CSV identified key enforcement challenges under the existing law, including limited  powers  of  entry  and  seizure.  This  restricted  the  ability  to  intervene proactively, particularly where concerns existed but visible suffering had not yet occurred.  Livestock  premises  were  inspected  routinely,  whereas  response  to companion animal issues was generally complaint-driven. The CSV highlighted that stronger preventive powers in the new law would enable earlier intervention.

In 2025, the States’ Veterinary Office received 103 welfare complaints, primarily concerning dogs and horses. While complaints often related to companion animals, the majority of the day-to-day work of States Vet Officers involved livestock.

The CSV described challenges in distinguishing between welfare complaints and general nuisance issues, particularly in urban areas such as St Helier. The States Veterinary Office regularly liaised with Environmental Health officers in such cases.

The Panel queried whether the current Law reflected modern welfare standards. The CSV noted that while good practice occurred in some areas, clearer legal provisions were needed to shift the focus toward prevention. Existing offences often required evidence of actual suffering before action could be taken.

The CSV also explained that under the new legislative model, ministerial orders would allow for more detailed and flexible provisions, including licensing schemes. While licensing powers existed under the 2004 Law, they were too rigid and not easily adaptable. Under the new framework, licensing provisions would be more targeted and detailed in their ability to set out specific conditions for different licensing requirements.

The CSV acknowledged that meaningful consultation was essential and committed to engaging with relevant stakeholders where orders may have had material impact. While some engagement had already taken place, further outreach remained possible.

The CSV noted that animal welfare law in the UK and EU was always evolving, particularly around sentience and species-specific needs. The new legislation aimed to better align Jersey with these developments and provide the flexibility needed to respond to emerging science and societal expectations.

The Panel thanked the Chief States Vet for her time and insight.