THIS newspaper is well used to policy disagreements with government. It is one reason why the former chief minister’s claim that ‘the Press’ acts as a self-appointed, non-elected opposition to the States of Guernsey is worn as a badge of pride for all staff as an indication of a job done well.

But the latest disagreement, reported on today’s front page, is in a different category and not one of our choosing.

For when government seeks to harm long-standing commercial arrangements without agreement or compensation and jeopardises jobs, no business can simply stand by and let it happen.

Modernising official communication and ensuring that it is cost-effective are aims we support even though the first notification of any such States considerations was receipt of a draft Billet report sent for comment – not discussion.

Yes, there have since been talks, but they have not been concluded nor agreement reached.

Instead, the Policy Council wishes to embark on a vague and ill-thought out course of modernisation without telling islanders what the benefits over the existing method will be.

Neither can ministers say how much it will cost. They have no idea. Indeed, they offer no explanation why the States of Guernsey should seek to become publishers, something best left to the private sector, and thus at odds with the aims of government’s own fundamental expenditure review.

Nor does it explain how its proposals will improve communications. The reason is that they will not. According to the chief minister on radio this week, islanders will have to go to a post office to find out what’s going on.

And by insisting notices go only in the States gazette rather than retaining the option of using the newspaper when more appropriate, the Policy Council leaves itself open to accusations of political hostility and financial bullying.

Officials accept the proposals are badly put together and since ministers won’t wait to reach agreement, islanders will conclude that there are other, more sinister, motives at work.