Debate on Havre des Pas Lido Delayed After States Reject Urgent Motion

A debate on the future of the Havre des Pas Lido has been postponed, after States Members decisively rejected a request from Deputy David Warr to shorten the lodging period required to bring the matter forward this week.

Deputy Warr had proposed that ministers halt the current tender process, grant a lease to community group Love Our Lido, and commit to providing £170,000 annually to maintain the site.

To enable an immediate discussion, the St Helier Deputy sought permission from the Assembly to reduce the standard lodging period — but Members voted 33 to 12 against the move, meaning the debate will now be scheduled for the sitting beginning Tuesday, 25 November.

During a brief procedural exchange, Deputy Warr urged colleagues to act swiftly, citing growing public concern and the momentum behind recent community events, including a protest planned in the Royal Square and a well-attended public meeting at the Lido.

He warned that any delay risked “deflating the momentum” behind the campaign and described postponement as “absolutely wrong”.

“Love Our Lido is not a charity.”

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan, however, opposed the accelerated timetable. He said that after a “constructive” meeting with representatives from Love Our Lido on Monday, he believed further time was needed to consider their feedback properly.

“Although I don’t think their concerns are valid, I take them seriously,” he said. “Out of respect, I would rather look at the concerns and respond prior to the debate.”

The Minister added that proceeding immediately would “subvert due process” and could expose the government to potential challenges.

The controversy stems from the government’s decision to appoint commercial operator First Point to run the historic seaside facility, which includes swimming pools, sunbathing decks, a café, and changing amenities.

Love Our Lido — a community organisation that had previously held preferred bidder status — lost that position after negotiations with the government broke down.

In a further twist, Jersey’s Charity Commissioner, John Mills, yesterday rejected government claims that Love Our Lido’s charitable status was a barrier to its bid.

The Council of Ministers, in its official response to Deputy Warr’s proposal, said one of the key reasons for withdrawing preferred bidder status was that “Love Our Lido is not a charity.”

However, Mr Mills clarified that there had been “no regulatory impediment” to the group achieving charitable status.

“The necessary arrangements for registration had been agreed with Love Our Lido,” he said in a statement issued to prevent “misunderstanding or misrepresentation.”

“The only obstacle arose from concerns expressed by the prospective charity governors regarding the terms of the proposed agreement with the Government of Jersey.”

He added that the governors were “duty-bound” to ensure the organisation’s financial security — including clarity on public funding and future obligations.

Meanwhile, a protest against the government’s decision to award the Lido contract to First Point was scheduled to take place during the States’ lunch break today.