This Is Guernsey

By Joel de Woolfson

NEW powers given to the Policy Council will go some way towards compensating for the island’s inefficient system of government, says Chief Minister Lyndon Trott.

Deputy Trott said yesterday that the Fundamental Spending Review, which highlighted areas where the States could save money, would result in gains for the entire community.

The report, by Tribal Consulting, recommended changes that would result in the island saving more than £70m. during the next five years.

Deputies approved those recommendations unchanged last month, giving the Policy Council authority to implement the required changes without further reference to the States as a whole.

‘I am strongly in support of the Fundamental Spending Review, a process which began while I was the minister of Treasury and Resources,’ said Deputy Trott (pictured).

‘The Wales Audit Office highlighted the inefficiencies inherent in our system of government and these have been reinforced by the findings of Tribal in its work on the Fundamental Spending Review.

‘It is quite obvious to any impartial observer that the system of government that we have is wholly inefficient, but the structure provided for through the FSR goes some way towards compensating for that and creating the right environment for us to work smarter and more cost-effectively.’

Deputy Trott said his position on the matter had not changed – he had made similar comments during last month’s debate.

‘The policies approved by the States in October were carefully constructed and considered and will almost certainly result in significant efficiencies and gains for this community at every level,’ he said.

Guernsey’s business community yesterday welcomed the new structure, which will make the Policy Council responsible for ensuring the necessary cost-saving changes are made.

Guernsey International Business Association member Alan Bougourd said the measures were sensible and would go some way to saving the island millions.

‘We are delighted to see the States really grasp the nettle on this issue,’ he said.

‘The introduction of accountability is also important and we look forward to seeing some positive results from these plans in the future. Giba is willing to help in any way it can.’

Confederation of Guernsey Industry chairman Peter Budwin said it showed the States had confidence in the Policy Council and the Financial Transformation Executive.

‘The States has delegated the implementation of this important piece of legislation to this group and it is important to note that the politicians and the civil service have been tasked jointly.

‘This is a major step and will go a long way in ensuring the successful completion of the project.’

Article posted on 10th November, 2009 - 11.30am