States Assembly Returns with Major Reforms and Controversies Ahead

The States Assembly of Jersey will reconvene next week, facing a crowded agenda that includes significant reforms to rental property legislation, border security, changes to electoral law, and the potential suspension of a States Member. As Members return from their summer break, these topics promise to spark lively debate and scrutiny.

Housing Minister Sam Mézec is set to reintroduce proposed changes to the Island’s Residential Tenancy Law, last discussed in July. A previous vote by Members paused the debate pending a Scrutiny review, but the matter has now returned to the order paper for the Assembly’s first sitting since the break. Deputy Mézec has characterized the changes as “a fairer and more credible framework for renting in Jersey.” However, he acknowledged facing opposition due to what he termed “vested interests that are getting in the way.”

Central to the proposed legislation are longer notice periods, limitations on the frequency of rent increases, and a cap on how much landlords can raise rental costs. The debate will also consider a series of amendments. Deputy Philip Bailhache has criticized the minister’s proposals, labeling them as “misconceived and potentially very damaging.” He has submitted a detailed counter-proposal comprising 18 parts. Meanwhile, Deputy Jonathan Renouf will advocate for an amendment that seeks to eliminate the proposed 5% cap on rent increases.

The Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel is pushing for enhancements to the legislation through an amendment aimed at increasing the effectiveness of proposed rent tribunals. This includes redistributing some powers away from the minister and eliminating a clause that would have involved police officers or government officials in eviction processes.

Following the rental legislation discussion, Members will address a proposition from the Privileges and Procedures Committee to suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf for 28 days due to his recent admission of a speeding offence and his failure to attend parish hall inquiries.

The Assembly will also delve into changes to electoral law, which were approved in principle earlier this year. The debate will focus on several proposed amendments. Constable Simon Crowcroft aims to reduce the number of Senators from nine to seven to ensure more equitable representation in his parish. Additionally, Deputy Hilary Jeune intends to introduce a requirement that Senatorial candidates be seconded by a voter from each of Jersey’s nine electoral districts. Should a further amendment proposed by Deputy Montfort Tadier pass, elections for Senators would take place five weeks prior to the polling for Deputies and Constables.

In a bid to enhance border security, the government will seek support for a proposition to implement an Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme. Under this scheme, visitors from outside the Common Travel Area would be required to pay £16 to enter Jersey, aligning the policy with the United Kingdom. However, this proposition faces a counter-proposal from Deputy Bailhache, who argues against a clause assigning responsibility to the UK Home Secretary, claiming it undermines Jersey’s autonomy over its border control.

Before public business commences on Tuesday morning, Members will gather on Monday at 14:15 for oral questions directed at the Health Minister, Housing Minister, and Chief Minister. Additionally, Environment Minister Steve Luce will deliver a statement regarding findings from the States of Jersey Complaints Board.

As the Assembly resumes, the discussions promise to be contentious, reflecting the diverse interests and opinions within Jersey’s political landscape.