Senator Sir Mark Boleat appointed Planning and Regulation Minister

Senator Sir Mark Boleat has become Planning and Regulation Minister in Jersey's new government, overcoming two challenges in the States Assembly.

Chief Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham made clear when he took office last month that he wanted to separate the Planning function from the Environment department and give responsibility to Senator Boleat.

He initially made the senator Assistant Environment Minister, so he could follow States process to create the new role, with agreement from the Assembly.

However, there was a challenge from Reform Jersey's Deputy Tom Coles, who brought a vote seeking a delay until more information was provided about the cost and remit.

Challenge to CM's plans for Planning & Regulation Minister

"There is a strong argument that such a fundamental structural change like this should not happen without proper parliamentary scrutiny and debate, as there is the potential for unintended consequences from separating out the roles that have hitherto fallen under one department."

Senator Farnham assured the Chamber:

"We need to reduce unnecessary delays, we need to modernise the regulation, we need to improve customer service and make the whole process less expensive for islanders and businesses. 

"I would like to confirm that there are no additional resource implications arising from the establishment of this ministerial office."

Deputy Coles lost the vote 15-31.

Sir Mark Boleat was not automatically confirmed in the role though.  He faced a challenge from Reform's Deputy Montfort Tadier.

Senator Boleat set out in his speech why he wanted the job of cutting red tape.

"Everything I will seek to do will be focused on improving things for the people of Jersey, whether helping them run their businesses, improve their homes or have better jobs.

Deputy Tadier said his opponent was in favour of deregulation, and told colleagues something he would do if he had the Planning and Regulation remit.

"If you have an enforcement notice against you, which you have not complied with, you cannot submit a new planning application until that enforcement order has been dealt with.

"... I am not convinced that is something he (Senator Boleat) would do.

"... It does seem to me that we would be putting somebody in post who has got form, both in terms of his previous political experience and his rhetoric for calling for greater deregulation and I don't think that is something that is needed in the Jersey system wholesale."

Senator Boleat won the States vote 37-7 with two abstentions.