Scrutiny panel questions extra Jersey Battle grant

Deputy Montfort Tadier said there were "questions around process and due governance"

A scrutiny panel said it wanted to "better understand" why an extra £121,000 grant was given for the recent Battle of Flowers event.

The Chief Minister and Economic Development Minister signed off the additional grant at the beginning of August, saying the decision would allow groups to put on a scaled-down parade and future events.

The letter also said the £90,000 top-up grant, which was given out in 2024, was not required to be recovered - it saw an overspend of more than £150,000.

Chair of the Panel Deputy Montfort Tadier said the event had been a highlight in Jersey's calendar but there were "questions around process and due governance" it wanted the ministers to explain.

He said: "The panel understands that the decision to award these grants may not fully comply with the Public Finances Manual.

"If this is the case, then it is important that the reasoning behind these decisions is outlined in a clear and transparent way."

Mr Tadier said it was "important that all organisations applying for and receiving grants feel that they are on a level playing field".

The panel said it understood funding awarded would be deducted from future grants, but requested more details about how the arrangement would be managed to "avoid placing undue financial strain on the event's organisers".

It also requested Deputy Kirsten Morel outline any arrangements which had been made regarding the 2024 top-up grant.