A STATES decision to award cabinet-style authority to the Policy Council has ripped apart the island’s system of consensus government, a leading opponent of executive powers has claimed.

Deputy Matt Fallaize (pictured) placed an amendment seeking to change the wording of the Fundamental Spending Review report when the Assembly debated the issue last month.

He believed the report gave too much power to the Policy Council and he wanted responsibility for delivering Tribal Consulting’s recommendations – to save the island more than £70m. over five years – to remain with departments.

Deputies voted 23 to 19 against his amendment.

‘In June, 27 members signed a letter opposing cabinet-style government,’ he said yesterday. ‘Four months later, 10 of the 27 have voted to strip political boards of departments of their policy-making function and hand the Policy Council wide-ranging cabinet-style powers in all areas covered by the Fundamental Spending Review.

‘I find that disappointing and dispiriting. But that’s politics. I have to respect the democratic decision of the States and try to help make it work to the best of my ability.’

Deputy Fallaize remained convinced that it would be a huge mistake for the island to move towards cabinet government.