Falklands : Falklands Summary of Executive Council 25 November 2010
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 03.12.2010 (Article Archived on 17.12.2010)
With the absence of the Governor overseas the meeting was chaired by His Honour the Acting Governor Ric Nye. MLA’s Jan Cheek, Roger Edwards and Dick Sawle were all present but both Jan and Roger had to declare an ‘interest’ in the second paper which dealt with shipping links to South America
Summary of Executive Council 25 November 2010
With the absence of the Governor overseas the meeting was chaired by His Honour the Acting Governor Ric Nye. MLA’s Jan Cheek, Roger Edwards and Dick Sawle were all present but both Jan and Roger had to declare an ‘interest’ in the second paper which dealt with shipping links to South America so Sharon Halford and Gavin Short stood in. Jan and Roger did not have access to the paper. Jan also declared an ‘interest’ in the third paper on Illex Fees so Gavin remained for this paper as well.
The first paper dealt with a planning issue which was an appeal against the decision of the Planning and Building Committee to refuse permission to erect a dwelling house off Barrack Street. The EPO attended for this item to give greater background information and clarify any areas of doubt within this bulky paper. Much discussion followed but a majority decision found in favour of the Committee so refusal of this application was upheld.
The fee structure used in 2010 Illex season will be maintained for the 2011 season. The refund policy continues with some modification including some link to catch value in addition to volume, the policy for determination of value is yet to be finalised. The refund policy will be published before the season starts and will be applied to vessels which tranship in Falkland ports and co-operate with the catch verification process.
The minimum wage paper was presented for review and approved. Exco Members agreed the policy and a minimum hourly wage of £4.88 for people in full time employment aged 18 or over but asked that the Committee looked further with regard to formulating a minimum wage for 16 and 17 year old people in full time employment so that they did not become an exploited resource.
A review of the Economic Development Strategy as compiled over the past two years by the EDS Core Group was submitted. Exco recommended to ‘Endorse the Vision’ as set out within the document; agree the economic policy priorities; noted the long, medium and short term actions and agreed further reports be submitted to Exco as policy and practical implications arise before any funding was committed.
Exco agreed revised investment management guidelines and investment monitoring and review guidelines subject to final approval by the Secretary of State.
A short paper was brought before Exco amending section 57 of the Taxes Ordinance 1997 exempting volunteer Police and Fire bounties from income tax. This would result in the reduced figure of income tax in a full year by £714.00 and bring them in line with the FIDF.
Funding for a replacement Alternator for a 1MW Generator for Stanley Power Station was approved.
A paper proposing clear and concise policy guidelines for disposal by FIG of Commercial Development land to the private sector was discussed. Full details will be published once the formal policy document is produced.
Exco advised the Governor to issue a notice appointing 29th December 2010 a public holiday. Although not brought forward as a paper Exco also asked the Governor to declare 29th April 2011 (Wedding of Prince William to Miss Kate Middleton) a public holiday and that special Stamps and Coins be produced.
Draft amendments and revised subsidiary legislation to the Smoking (Prohibition) Bill were made and recommended to go forward to Legislative Assembly on 26th November.
The Livestock Identification and Movement – Subsidiary Legislation, as required by the EU for export of meat from the abattoir was approved and was recommended to go forward to Legislative Assembly 26th November. The original subsidiary legislation made no allowance for straying animals and was felt did not realistically reflect Falkland Island farming practises.
Exco noted a lengthy report produced by the Attorney General regarding the name of the Medical Services Tax Bill as against the Medical Services Levy Bill. Tax won!
Exco approved a draft Taxes (Amendment) Bill reflecting an initial sub-set of amendments already approved and others separately approved within the paper. The Bill will come to Legislative Assembly in February 2011.
Exco also introduced a liability for POAT and MST in Schedule 6 (Territorial Extension of Charge to Tax) of the Taxes Ordinance so that when a sub-contractor does not pay POAT the licensee becomes liable.
Further Taxes Ordinance amendments were approved regarding clarification of expenses allowed when acquiring Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ).
A voluminous paper reporting departmental performance was noted. A review of the value of such a report will be discussed with the Chief Executive on his return.
The proposed schedule of meetings for 2011 was approved. It was requested that for 2012 meetings would move to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This will help with travel arrangements of Camp Members particularly in winter when FIGAS have a reduced flying schedule.
Finally Mrs Ailsa Heathman was appointed as lay member on the Health and Medical Services Committee for a period of three years.
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