MINISTERIAL priorities for the next four years will be debated – and could be amended – during this week’s sitting of the States Assembly.
Starting tomorrow, Members will consider the Common Strategic Policies published by the Council of Ministers, which seeks to shape the agenda for the period leading up to the next election in 2030.
The original CSP document is focused on four “pillars” identified from Islanders’ feedback during this year’s election campaign: targeted action on the cost of living; restoring Jersey’s competitiveness; investment in homes and infrastructure; and maintaining financial stability.
A total of 24 amendments will be considered as part of the debate, of which nine have been amended further.
The CSP debate comes ahead of the 2027 Budget debate, which will form the central part of the subsequent Assembly meeting in the second week of December.
Another significant part of this week’s business is the proposition lodged by Deputy Alves calling for ministers to take swifter action towards the introduction of whistleblowing legislation.
The principle of such a law was originally raised by Deputy Alves in July 2023, and she has expressed disappointment that the issue has not been given a sufficiently high priority by ministers, with her proposition calling for the draft legislation to be lodged by 31 January next year.
The Council of Ministers has issued its own amendment to the whistleblowing proposition which, if supported by Members, would see the deadline for bringing in the law pushed back by 12 months to 31 January 2028.
Infrastructure Minister Jonathan Renouf will make a statement, and face questions, regarding a report by the States Complaints Board upholding an Islander’s complaint over maintenance of the sea wall at Grève d’Azette.
A total of 19 oral questions will be asked, with the topics being raised with ministers including assisted home ownership, residential and nursing home capacity, waiting times for neurology patients, funding for the Jersey Care Commission and the States grant to the Social Security Fund.
Deputy Renouf will ask Deputy Alves, in her capacity as chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, about the committee’s decision not to publish a full report regarding the breach of the code of conduct for politicians by former Deputy Philip Ozouf.
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham will face questions without notice alongside two colleagues: Senator Elaine Millar (Social Security) and Deputy Gerald Voisin (Economic Development).
