FURTHER government funding for Jersey Reds will not be provided after States Members voted against a proposal that taxpayers’ money be used to allow the cash-strapped rugby team to complete the current season.
Following six hours of debate in the Assembly, Members voted by 29 to 13 against Deputy Lyndon Farnham’s proposition.
The vote came a week after the government told Reds board members that no further funding would be added on top of £370,000 of funding provided in two parts in June and August of this year, leading to a decision for the club to cease trading at 5.30pm last Wednesday.
Introducing his proposition on Tuesday, Deputy Farnham estimated that each pound spent by the government to support the Reds brought around £25 in economic benefit to the Island.
But ministers lined up on Wednesday to say that they felt unable to support further funding, including Treasury Minister Ian Gorst, who said: “It does not give anyone any pleasure, but I don’t think there are any other option than, with a heavy heart and being grateful to the Reds for what they have done, than to say we can’t accept this proposal.”
