A PROPOSAL for an independent commission to make recommendations to improve government has signalled a split in the States.

The Wales Audit Office delivered a devastating verdict last month on how the island was run, but its report, commissioned by the Public Accounts Committee, was criticised for making no recommendations.

Now, PAC chairman Leon Gallienne (pictured) has proposed amending the States Strategic Plan to make the Policy Council report back by March with clear proposals on setting up an independent commission to examine and make recommendations on the issues raised.

But the move has angered the Scrutiny Committee, which shortly before the amendment was drafted had been in talks with the PAC about working together to get the WAO to do the job.

‘Scrutiny’s understanding from the WAO is that, relatively inexpensively, it could come back with recommendations – and for a lot less than a commission. The recent potential cost for the firefighters’ tribunal shows these things can be more expensive than people believe they will be,’ said committee chairman Barry Brehaut.

It would be asked how the current consensus model could be changed to improve things, he said.

‘I met with the chair of PAC and advised him we wanted to do that – PAC and Scrutiny working together as the select committees. PAC see it in a different light – it is convinced a commission needs to be set up to report back on the findings of the report.’

Deputy Gallienne met his committee yesterday to discuss the amendment and is expected to comment in detail today.