Surprise Announcement Raises Concerns

Jersey’s Health Minister, Tom Binet, has come under scrutiny after revealing plans in a media interview to invest £350 million in the island’s health services and infrastructure—without prior consultation with key political panels. The plan, known as Project Breakwater, includes significant developments such as the redevelopment of Fort Regent and revitalisation of the town centre.

Scrutiny Panel Kept in the Dark

Hilary Jeune, chair of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel, expressed her panel’s frustration at not being properly informed. She revealed that since December 2024, the panel had been requesting briefings on infrastructure spending and Project Breakwater but received no clear answers.

Concerns Over Funding and Oversight

Binet stated that the proposed £350 million could be funded through borrowing or by using public savings. Jeune called this “concerning,” especially considering the lack of clarity on how the funds will be used and who will be held accountable. She questioned how the projects fit into the Infrastructure Department’s responsibilities and said answers are urgently needed.

Hearing Scheduled to Address Questions

The scrutiny panel has scheduled a standalone hearing with Minister Binet for 2 September to seek detailed information about Project Breakwater. The panel aims to understand the project’s purpose, its financial backing, and how it will be implemented.

Lack of a Cohesive Strategy

Jeune criticised the Council of Ministers for failing to present a unified or transparent strategy around the project. She claimed it remains unclear who is responsible for overseeing Project Breakwater, how it fits into broader policy, or how the States Assembly and public are being kept informed.

Focus on Revitalising St Helier

In addition to questioning the funding, the hearing will also assess progress on the St Helier revitalisation efforts, which are part of the proposed investments. Jeune welcomed Minister Binet’s involvement in aligning his plans with the island’s wider vision for urban development.

Urging Transparency and Coordination

The panel’s reaction highlights broader concerns about transparency in large-scale public projects. Jeune and her colleagues are pushing for greater accountability, strategic alignment, and better communication from government departments when it comes to spending taxpayer money on key infrastructure.

A Crucial Moment for Public Trust

While the investment has potential to bring transformative improvements, the manner of its announcement has prompted serious questions. The upcoming scrutiny hearing is expected to clarify Project Breakwater’s intentions, costs, and leadership—and ensure that the public is properly informed and represented in decisions of this scale.