11-body evolution is 'all or nothing'

PROPOSALS to cut the number of departments will create a better States. Advisory and Finance Committee president Laurie Morgan said the plans, published today, would lead to an improved and more efficient public sector. 'If we didn't think that we wouldn't be recommending it. 'The new structure achieves the States' objectives for providing leadership, improved policy development and co-operation and swifter decision making.' The proposals replace 43 committees with 11 departments, including a dedicated Treasury and a Policy Council, consisting of all departmental ministers, which will set corporate policy. The new departments will transfer functions for some established committees and mean fewer presidencies for members. There will also be enhanced levels of scrutiny. 'This is evolutionary,' said Deputy Morgan. 'We're not going the whole hog towards full executive government but this is a refinement of the committee system.' He welcomed the development of the Policy Council, which should improve the advisory and strategic role currently performed by Advisory and Finance. 'A and F is sometimes criticised because some presidents are members of it and there is a belief that they get first choice on the money available. 'Everybody will be around the table and if the Policy Council is minded to give that particular department a bigger share of resources, the others will be able to ask where that's coming from.' Supervisor Mike Brown said that the States had moved more towards a policy-based approach in recent years and the new system mirrored that development. Pay negotiations for public servants are likely to be performed by a dedicated public servants remuneration committee, with a chairman and membership drawn from the States, which will agree pay deals with unions and staff associations at arms' length from the Treasury and Policy Council. Deputy Morgan wanted members to support the whole package. 'We will fight against any back-tracking on the decisions of a year ago. There is a danger that if we start tinkering with the proposals the whole thing may collapse.' The proposals, if approved, would become effective after next April's elections. n The meeting to discuss proposals, which is scheduled for 14-16 May, will take place in the Sarnia Hall at Beau Sejour because the Royal Court is unavailable. The room will mirror the look of the States in the Royal Court, with raised seats for the Deputy Bailiff, who will be presiding, and senior committee presidents.