The States Assembly (Jersey’s Parliament) has today published its Annual Report for 2017.
The States Assembly’s annual report, published this year in a new, more user-friendly format, provides key facts and figures about States members, sittings in the States Chamber, and the work of parliamentary scrutiny panels in 2017.
The Assembly sat for 230 hours in total and held 136 debates. Nearly 200 oral questions and 350 written questions were asked by States members. The report highlights nine areas in which scrutiny panels contributed to the Island’s governance, including on subjects as diverse as nitrate levels in water, waste charges and income support. Public engagement and international outreach work are also covered.
In his foreword to the report, Sir William Bailhache, Bailiff of Jersey, says, “2017 was the busiest year for this particular group of States members, the Assembly sitting on more days than it had done since 2014, the general election taking place in the autumn of that year. The Brexit decision by the United Kingdom was clearly a matter which began to take up more time during 2017 because of its potential impact on the Island, as indeed was the proposed future hospital. It does seem likely that further debates on both important subjects might yet take place”.
Deputy Russell Labey, Chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee says, “This document shows the hard work put in by States members in the Chamber and in scrutiny in 2017. Of course, it only tells part of the story. Many members have government roles or undertake other roles on behalf of the States. Members also work round the clock helping Islanders resolve all sorts of problems they have with government. I’m pleased to put this report in the public domain to help the public understand the work we do.”
States Assembly Press Release