£200,000 grant to film company: Further hearings

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On Monday 16th December the PAC will be calling the Chief Executive, States of Jersey, the Treasurer of the States and the Chief Internal Auditor to appear before it and answer questions regarding the findings and recommendations made in the Committee’s report PAC.2/2013, which concerns a £200,000 grant to a film production company.

These post-review hearings have been arranged following the completion of a related confidential report issued by the Chief Internal Auditor. Deputy Tracey Vallois, the Chairman of the PAC, said -

‘We are advised that Canbedone Productions intends to start filming in Jersey next month. If these promises are fulfilled and the project is successful then PAC will be delighted. There nevertheless remains the question of whether this potentially positive end justifies the means.

‘PAC found real shortcomings in the Economic Development Department’s execution of the Canbedone grant and some weaknesses in Treasury’s rules on public expenditure. Our report met with an unprecedented response from the Minister for Economic Development, who challenged some of our key findings.

‘We have since obtained a confidential internal audit report concerning this grant. Having read it, we remain convinced that our recommendations remain valid and should be implemented without further delay. On Monday we will be seeking reassurance that the States of Jersey knows how to handle a future grant application properly.’