Deputy Jeremy Maçon becomes Jersey's new Minister for Children and Housing
Deputy Jeremy Maçon is Jersey's new Minister for Children and Housing.
He was given politicians' backing in the States Assembly yesterday morning (17 November 2020). It comes after former Minister for Children and Housing Senator Sam Mézec resigned from the position last week in protest at the Chief Minister's leadership.
Deputy Maçon has been a States Member since he was first elected Deputy of St Saviour No.1 in 2008. On being appointed, he told his colleagues he did not "underestimate the challenge" of the post.
However, Deputy Maçon started off in the role with some controversy already. He claimed not to support plans for a memorial, commemorating children who had suffered abuse in state-run care homes.
The proposed memorial was a recommendation by the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry.
A protest against the proposed memorial was held in St Helier last month.
Instead, Deputy Maçon suggested the money should go towards a funding scheme to train islanders to support children in the care system or those with mental health problems.
However, those comments caused a stir with the former Minister for Children and Housing.
Under his new remit, Deputy Maçon says the Government Plan contains 'several projects that need to come to fruition'. One of his priorities is the proposed Housing Advisory Service - a recommendation from a review into access to social housing, published in June 2019.
Another focus, is to ensure 'workforce stabilisation' within Children's Services, to ensure continuity for children in their contact with social workers.Over the years, Deputy Maçon has served several roles in the States, most recently as Assistant Education Minister, which he will continue. He has been known for pushing policies on student loans and postgraduate funding in particular.
He has also been the Chairman of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Economic Affairs Scrutiny Panel and a member of the Chairman’s Committee.