Approved Panel Minutes - Health and Social Security - 2026

Present

Deputy Louise Doublet , Chair Deputy Jonathan Renouf , Vice Chair Deputy Philip Bailhache

Deputy Lucy Stephenson Connétable Karen Shenton Stone

In attendance

Kaya Camara , Acting Committee and Panel Officer Sarah Hopkins, Communications Officer

Felicity Guest, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel approved the records of its meetings dated 2nd, 4th and 16th of December 2025 with minor amendments.

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2.  New Declarations and Conflicts of Interest

There were no new declarations or conflicts of interest to note.

3.  Assisted Dying Review Panel update

Deputy Doublet , as Chair of the Assisted Dying Review Panel provided an update on the Panel’s review progress. It was noted that the Panel intended to lodge 9 amendments to the Draft Assisted Dying (Jersey) Law 202- and the expert advisers’ contracts  were  being  extended.  It  was  further  noted  that  the  Panel  were  in discussions with the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding the date the draft law would be debated.

4.  Hospital Review Panel update

Deputy Renouf , as Chair of the Hospital Review Panel provided an update on the work of the Panel. It was noted that the Panel was receiving regular updates from the Minister for Health and Social Services and the New Healthcare Facilities Programme team.  

5. Family Friendly Post-Implementation Review

Deputy Doublet , as Chair of the Family Friendly Sub-Panel, provided an update on the Sub-Panel’s review. The Panel was informed that the report was due to be presented on 16th January and that the Chair intended to make a Statement at the subsequent States Assembly sitting. The Panel noted that key recommendations included allowances be implemented, irrespective of family structure and the granting of allowances to extended family.

The Panel received an update from the Communications Officer regarding media coverage of the review. The Panel agreed that a press release should be prepared for the publication of the report and requested the Communications Officer make the necessary arrangements.

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6. Briefings/Hearings

The Panel noted and approved the following briefings:

• 14th January 2026 – Briefing from the Minister for Social Security on providing support with living expenses for mortgage holders.

• 14th January 2026 – Briefing on the future approach to personal cannabis use in Jersey.

• 10th February 2026 – Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Health and Social Services on 10th February. The Panel agreed to a number of topic areas for questioning and requested the Acting Committee and Panel Officer begin drafting the question plan.

• 18th February 2026 – Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Social Services. The Panel agreed to a number of topic areas for questioning and requested the Acting Committee and Panel Officer begin drafting the question plan.

The Panel noted the high volume of briefings due to take place. The Panel agreed that some briefings be cancelled and the relevant information be provided through briefing papers to the Panel or rescheduled to a later date to allow the Panel to prioritise its work programme. The Panel requested the Acting Committee and Panel Officer make the necessary arrangements.

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7. Correspondence

The Panel noted correspondence received via e-mail from a member of the public regarding P.116/2025 “Future Steps Approach to Personal Cannabis use in Jersey” and next steps were discussed.

The Panel further noted a letter sent to the Minister for Social Security regarding comments made during the debate of the Government’s Budget in December 2024. The Panel noted joint disappointment regarding the comments made during the debate in relation to its comments paper, which the Panel considered unprofessional.

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8. Work Programme

The Panel noted its updated Work Programme for 2026 alongside the Government’s Legislative Programme. The Panel agreed that it would need to prioritise its work and noted the short timeframe until the election period.

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10. Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting would take place on Tuesday 27th January 2026 in the Le Capelain Room.

Present

Deputy Louise Doublet , Chair Deputy Jonathan Renouf , Vice Chair Deputy Philip Bailhache

Deputy Lucy Stephenson Connétable Karen Shenton Stone

In attendance

Sue Duhamel, Associate Director, Public Policy

Sophie Le Sueur , Chief Officer

Helena Mangan, Head of Work and Family Hub, Employment, Social Security and Housing (ESSH)

Deputy Lindsay Feltham , Minister for Social Security

Sam Idiong, Private Secretary

Kaya Camara , Acting Committee and Panel Officer Felicity Guest, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Briefing on Low Income Mortgage Holders

The Panel welcomed Government Officers to a briefing on providing discretionary support for low-income mortgage holders. A private detailed file note was made of the briefing, classified as exempt in accordance with Article 35 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended).

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Present

Deputy Louise Doublet , Chair Deputy Jonathan Renouf , Vice Chair Deputy Philip Bailhache

Deputy Lucy Stephenson

Apologies

Connétable Karen Shenton Stone

In attendance

Ben Sanderman, Head of Policy, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance

Ruth Johnson , Associate Director Policy, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance

Steve Gay, Senior Public Health Policy Officer, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance

Kaya Camara , Acting Committee and Panel Officer Felicity Guest, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Briefing on Strategic Relationships  

The Panel welcomed Government Officers to provide a briefing on the Future Approach to Personal Cannabis use in Jersey. A private detailed file note was made of the briefing, classified as exempt in accordance with Article 35 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended).

FG