THERE have been calls in the States for a review of the governance of the Battle of Flowers after it emerged that exhibitors are still waiting to be paid for last year’s parades despite the government almost doubling the event’s grant to £270,000.
Concerns were raised by several politicians during yesterday’s sitting about the event’s financial management, with questions being asked about future government funding for the long-running carnival.
Deputy Steve Ahier questioned Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel on the level of oversight he has over the Battle of Flowers Association and the justification for the increased grant awarded in 2024.
Deputy Morel – who has responsibility for arts, heritage and culture – confirmed that while the event was run by an independent organisation, his department met regularly with its representatives to ensure public money was used appropriately.
“The Battle of Flowers is an independent organisation which makes an application for funding based on a series of stretching but achievable performance measures,” Deputy Morel said.
“The larger one-off grant in 2024 allowed for a reformatting of the event, including participation from all parishes, a headline act, and additional concerts. As a result, over 22,000 people attended last year, with 6,000 more tickets sold than in previous years.”
The 2024 celebration grant was up 80% from £150,000 in 2023.
Deputy Ahier pressed the minister on whether government support for the 2025 Battle of Flowers would be conditional on reviewing the 2024 accounts, and whether it was true that exhibitors had yet to be paid.
“My understanding is that some entities are still awaiting payment, but I do not know whether they are exhibitors or others,” Deputy Morel admitted. “We are awaiting the 2024 accounts and would want to review them before making any further funding decisions.”
Deputy Philip Ozouf, meanwhile, asked: “Does the minister not agree that it is past time for a decisive, forward-looking review of the governance of the Battle of Flowers?”
Deputy Morel reiterated that while the government would support the association, it was ultimately responsible for its own governance as a third party.
“We will provide advice and assistance, but it is up to the Battle of Flowers Association to decide how to structure itself. We cannot do that for them,” he said.
The issue of transparency and governance was also raised by Deputy Inna Gardiner, who asked whether there was a clear government policy on awarding grants for cultural and community events.
Deputy Morel responded that while funding decisions were guided by business plans, performance measures, and post-event reports, there was no single policy document covering all grants. Instead, decisions followed the criteria outlined in the Public Finances Manual.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf asked whether the minister had full confidence in the Battle of Flowers Association, given the ongoing financial concerns.
Deputy Morel acknowledged that concerns about the association’s governance were raised in recent meetings.
He said: “We need to understand that the association is in good order before being able to provide funding.”
When pressed on what actions the government would take to ensure financial and governance standards are met, Deputy Morel said that his officers were engaging with the association to assess its structures and procedures.
Deputy Louise Doublet meanwhile sought reassurance that government support for events such as Pride would not be affected, with Deputy Morel responding that while there was funding for multiple events, the overall budget was finite, and each application would be assessed on its merits.
