IT WAS a year that began with a political bang – when Deputy Kristina Moore was ousted from her position as Chief Minister through a successful vote of no confidence lodged by then-Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet.
But the States Assembly ‘s latest annual report shows that, once the dust had settled, there was plenty on the agenda for the Island’s politicians to debate in 2024.
A number of proposals, including new legislation, were passed throughout the year.
This included the Government’s budget, setting out income and spending plans from 2025 to 2028, brought forward by the fresh Council of Ministers now led by Lyndon Farnham.
It was, perhaps unsurprisingly, the longest debate of the year – with States Members taking four days to discuss the proposition before it was adopted in November.
The debate involved consideration of 29 amendments that had been lodged by individual Members, Scrutiny Panels and the Council itself.
The Government also brought forward a number of policies for consideration throughout the year, including a proposition on assisted dying – described by now-Health Minister Tom Binet as “one of the most serious matters we will ever address”.
Politicians voted by 31 to 15 to establish an assisted dying service for adult residents who have made a voluntary and informed decision to die in certain defined circumstances.
And several large environmental matters had their moment in the political spotlight, with a proposition to further investigate the opportunity to develop a wind farm in Jersey’s territorial waters – of up to one-gigawatt in generating capacity – given the green light.
Meanwhile, a Marine Spatial Plan increasing the network of areas within the Island’s marine environment protected against destructive fishing practices was unanimously voted in by the States Assembly in October.
Included within the various legislative measures introduced in 2024 was an amendment enabling the Social Security Minister to set minimum wage and offset rates by Ministerial Order – without prior consultation – until 31 March 2026.
The move formed part of a wider government commitment to raise the minimum wage to two-thirds of average median earnings by the end of its term in office next year.
Additionally, a new Crime (Public Order) Law, described by police as “a preventative step to ensure the safety of our young people and the wider community”, sought to help the force clamp down on knife crime.
Previously, it was not an offence in Jersey simply to carry an offensive weapon in public, with the onus instead lying with prosecutors to prove an intention to commit harm.
The new legislation saw that burden reversed, so that a person carrying a knife or other offensive weapon in public must now provide a reasonable excuse for doing so.
Other notable proposals included a successful move by Deputy Lucy Stephenson to improve fertility funding in the Island, as well as a bid from Deputy Helen Miles to ensure 50% of homes in future residential developments at the Waterfront should be allocated to those buying property for the first time, using assisted-purchase schemes.
And Deputy Farnham was requested to identify savings for the Cabinet Office following a proposition from Deputy Max Andrews earlier in the year.
Overall, 89 propositions were lodged in 2024 and 100 were debated, which was slightly more than in 2023.
The total number of meeting days throughout the year was 36, including two special sessions held for ceremonial reasons (Liberation Day and the Royal Visit).
There were 247 oral questions submitted with notice (four fewer than in 2023) and 440 written questions (49 fewer than in 2023).
Writing in the document’s foreword, the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq – who will retire from office in October – noted that it was the last annual report he would introduce.
He continued: “There will be a new Bailiff and therefore a new presiding officer. It has been a privilege to preside over this Assembly, to get to know members, and to take part in this way in our democracy.
“On a personal note, I wish to say how grateful I am for the support, kindness and trust that I have received from members and from the Greffe staff and I wish the Assembly, its members and those who provide essential support the very best for the future.”
He described the report as “a reminder of the principles and values that guide our work: accountability, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to public service”.
“I trust that the Assembly will continue to uphold these principles and work in the best interests of the people of Jersey.”
