Health Minister Grilled Over £350m Spending Plans

Minister's £350m Investment Plan Draws Scrutiny Panel's Surprise

Leaders of a key scrutiny panel have expressed surprise following a media interview in which the Health Minister outlined plans to invest £350 million in health and infrastructure projects—without first briefing the relevant parliamentary panel.

Hilary Jeune, chair of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, said her committee has been seeking details about the investment initiative, known as Project Breakwater, since December 2024. The project is being spearheaded by Health Minister Tom Binet.

In the interview, Binet indicated that the ambitious funding package could be financed through borrowing or by using government reserves.

Panel chair Jeune confirmed that the minister will now be called to give evidence at a dedicated scrutiny hearing scheduled for 2 September.

Calls for Clarity

Jeune described the situation as "concerning," noting that elected members had not yet been given the opportunity to examine how such a significant sum of public money would be allocated.

“This is concerning when we are waiting to scrutinise the spending of hundreds of millions of pounds of public money which is being used for key infrastructure projects, such as Fort Regent and the revitalisation of the town centre,” she said.

She emphasised that questions remain unanswered around funding sources, departmental responsibility, and where these proposals sit within broader government strategy.

According to Jeune, there appears to be a lack of a clear, coordinated approach from the Council of Ministers regarding Project Breakwater, including its governance and communication to States members and the public.

The upcoming hearing will also assess progress on plans to rejuvenate St Helier. Jeune said she welcomed the minister’s input to help clarify how various initiatives fit together.