12 September 2006
21 July 2005
The Policy and Resources Committee announces the appointment of Eric Le Ruez (currently the Chief Officer of the Housing Department) to the post of Director, States of Jersey Property Holdings. This new post has been created following the agreement of the States to integrate property functions and resources from across the States into one corporate department. Savings of £1 million a year from 2008 have been targeted. In addition, income from underused property worth at least £20 million will be realised.
Reporting ultimately to the Treasury and Resources Minister, Mr Le Ruez will take up the two-year contract to create the new department and to direct the integration of States property assets, which are worth £1.6 billion.
In the new post, Mr Le Ruez will be responsible for all property currently controlled by States committees, with the exception of social housing, the Airport, Harbours and Postal properties.
Assuming Mr Le Ruez’s current duties for social rented housing and finance at the Housing Department will be Ian Gallichan who becomes Acting Director of Housing (Estates and Housing Benefits). The function of housing benefits will transfer to Employment and Social Security in 2006.
P&R Committee President, Senator Frank Walker, said: “I am delighted to announce these two appointments, which will take effect in September. Mr Le Ruez will be responsible for creating an efficient property organisation. His job is to make sure that our assets – which represent an investment of £18,000 for every person in Jersey – are managed effectively and efficiently. The savings and income that will be generated will make a big contribution to the change programme targets.”
Following the recent States approval of the migration policy, these changes will be completed with the establishment of a population office to incorporate current functions for housing control and Regulation of Undertakings and Development. The two roles will remain the responsibility of the Housing Committee and the Economic Development Committee, respectively. However, for administration purposes both functions will be managed under the population office, reporting to the Policy and Resources Committee. Recruitment of a manager for the population office will begin shortly.
ENDS
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