THE government survived the first challenge to its Budget as an amendment criticising “profligate” public spending was defeated, albeit with one minister voting against his colleagues. Health Minister Tom Binet was among 15 Members to vote in favour of the amendment by Deputy Philip Bailhache, who proposed that withdrawals from the Social Security Fund in […]
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Members clash over use of Social Security Fund
A GOVERNMENT proposal to reduce the amount of money paid into the Social Security Fund and use it instead as a way of helping businesses adjust to the introduction of the Living Wage was maintained on Wednesday 17 November, after a backbencher’s amendment was rejected. Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache saw his call to restore £10 […]
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Commissioner rules no misconduct after government bullying complaint
A COMPLAINT against the States Employment Board and senior ministers from a former government worker who alleged that they were bullied and asked to resign “without warning” has been rejected, following a conduct investigation beset by lengthy legal delays. The grievance was formally lodged with Commissioner for Standards Dr Melissa McCullough in March 2024 and […]
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Rent laws return to Chamber for latest stage of minister’s long-running bid for change
POLITICIANS began a potentially lengthy debate over moves to change the Island’s Residential Tenancy Law yesterday. Housing Minister Sam Mézec introduced his proposition by expressing incredulity that a pro-landlord lobbying group had described the measures as “rushed”, when in fact they had been in preparation for over five years. Longer notice periods, limits on frequency […]
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Amendment would block pre-approved assisted dying if capacity is lost
ISLANDERS who give approval to their own assisted death but lose capacity before it takes place would be prevented from proceeding, under an amendment proposed by an Assistant Health Minister. Deputy Barbara Ward is seeking to remove what is known as the “waiver of requirement for future capacity” from the Island’s draft assisted-dying legislation. This […]
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The cost of complaints
IT costs nearly £4,000 to investigate a complaint against a States Member, the Island’s political watchdog has revealed – with most grievances resulting in politicians being advised to apologise to each other. Commissioner for Standards Dr Melissa McCullough, who investigates alleged breaches of ethical and behavioural guidelines for politicians, confirmed that investigating a complaint costs […]
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Call for better ‘messaging’ on income tax and social security in pension petition debate
STATES Members have called for better communication from the government to Islanders about issues relating to tax and social security. During a debate about whether old-age pensions should be exempt from tax, the Treasury Minister acknowledged criticism about the failure to offer taxpayers adequate explanations about how their rates and payments were calculated. The “in-committee” […]
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Deputy loses bid to drive wrecking ball through new rent legislation
A SENIOR politician’s attempt to bring about major changes to the Island’s proposed rental laws through a self-confessed “wrecking amendment” has been narrowly defeated in the States Assembly. After around four-and-a-half hours of debate, Deputy Sir Philip Bailhache failed by three votes to win support for his amendments to Housing Minister Sam Mézec’s proposition to […]
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Unite health system to deliver ‘a seamless service’, says minister
JERSEY needs an “all-encompassing, single health system” with a board bringing together care providers from the public, private and charitable sectors and a new chief executive to deliver “a seamless service”, according to Health Minister Tom Binet. The Deputy said that developing such a model was vitally important for the creation of the Island’s new […]
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Landmark assisted-dying debate begins
POLITICIANS are debating how Jersey would introduce a legal right for Islanders to end their lives under defined circumstances. Introducing the proposition in the States, Health Minister Tom Binet said the Assembly would be making an “extremely important decision for our island”. The proposed details were workable, with “excellent safeguards” that would be “hard-wired throughout”, […]
