I wish to address a report in today’s Jersey Evening Post (11 November 2025) headed “A lot
of confusion ahead of vote – and protest – over Lido.”
Normally I do not comment on applications for charity registration. Where, however, there
may be a risk of misunderstanding or misrepresentation that could affect public trust and
confidence in registered charities, I will seek an applicant’s consent to clarify matters publicly.
I have done that in this instance.
Today’s article states: “Love Our Lido isn’t a charity, despite intentions to become one, they
[the Government] said, adding that this was “a key reason” for withdrawing their preferred
applicant status.”
I wish to place on record that there was no regulatory impediment to the charity being formed.
The necessary arrangements for registration had been agreed with Love our Lido. The only
obstacle arose from concerns expressed by the prospective charity governors regarding the
terms of the proposed agreement with the Government of Jersey.
The prospective governors were duty-bound to seek to ensure that the charity which they
intended to establish had a secure financial foundation. This includes clarity on taxpayers
funding and full transparency regarding all costs and obligations associated with operation of
the Lido. That remains the position.
