13 November 2006
Treasury and Resources Department |
For immediate release |
9 November 2006 |
NEWS RELEASE
Jersey Property Holdings will do all it can to ensure the public gets maximum benefit from States-owned land and property.
Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy John Le Fondré, has signed a Ministerial decision which explains the department’s stance. He commented: “Some people are not aware that proposals involving public land, such as rights of access over States owned land, (including grant of wayleaves), will incur a charge based on full market value. This policy is not new, but I want the public to be clear that it will be enforced and will be applied to such projects as those for domestic housing, commercial or other general purposes.” Such charges are generally levied on the number of units of any development.
The Strategic Plan sets one of the aims of the department as including “…the extraction of optimum benefit from property asset.” The Public do not find it acceptable to receive a lower value than a private individual would expect to receive in a similar position.
There may be economic benefits that are derived from tourism, agricultural or charitable projects which may require a different approach. These will be dealt with on a case by case basis and in consultation with the relevant States department.
This view has been reinforced by the recently published report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the 2007 Property Business Plan. The Report supports the Plan for 2007 and draws attention to the need to examine in more detail the States use of property, particularly office space, where opportunities exist to improve efficiency.
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Notes to Editors:
For further information please contact Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources Deputy John Le Fondré on 738739
Deputy Le Fondré is the Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources with delegated responsibility for Jersey Property Holdings.