Chief Minister John Le Fondré is considering alternative uses – including a new States headquarters – for the site.
And last November, Treasury Minister Susie Pinel refused to sign off a £37.8 million loan to Andium Homes – the States-owned social housing developer – to start work on the affordable housing scheme at Ann Court.
Deputy Steve Luce has now tabled a proposition which, if approved, would request the Treasury Minister to release the funding to Andium to allow the project to continue.
He is urging other States Members not to fall for what he described as ‘extravagant claims’ made by the Chief Minister that building a States headquarters on the site would save millions and said that the Assembly should instead commit to providing affordable housing.
Meanwhile, a new law, which would change the way the Island pays out on lawsuits, is due to be debated. The draft Damages Law was prepared after a £238 million lawsuit was brought against the States. The claim was eventually settled for millions out of court and the full amount paid has not been revealed.
The new legislation, if approved, would introduce a percentage reduction in the amount any court orders be paid in damages, on the basis that the recipient could make back the reduction by investing the lump sum. The law would also introduce the option to pay awards periodically rather than in one lump sum.
And the Island’s cybercrime laws are also due to be overhauled in a move which would ‘make Jersey compliant with the international treaties in this area’.
A total of 14 oral and 30 written questions have been tabled. Environment Minister John Young and Senator Le Fondré are due to face questions without notice.
