Home Affairs reviews services as best way of saving money

Home Affairs has set up the review partly because it believes reform could lead to cost savings.

‘There are limited opportunities for the committee to charge for its services. However, it does see the potential for efficiency and longer-term financial savings to be made through the transformation of services,’ said committee president Rob Prow.

He assured the States that public safety would ‘always remain at the forefront’ of any reforms made following the review.

Policy & Resources has projected an annual funding shortfall of up to £100m. a year by 2040, and committees have been asked to identify annual savings of at least £10m.

Less than 24 hours after being narrowly defeated in the election for a new P&R president, Deputy Prow said his committee was finding it ‘challenging’ to identify savings, with staff costs accounting for 92% of its budget.

‘There is concern that the pressure to make immediate savings in the 2024 Budget may in fact inhibit future savings opportunities. As a government, we must be aware that failing to invest in services will cost in the long term.’

In September, the States agreed the drafting of a new domestic abuse law.

Deputy Prow told the States yesterday that a first draft had been finalised and was out for comments from stakeholders, which his committee hoped to consider early in 2024.

He also said the committee wanted to do more on domestic abuse before the end of its term. Preliminary scoping of the next phase of law has started, but work will focus on developing and implementing the first phase of the reforms, he said.

Cyber security is another priority for Home Affairs.

‘With so many of our day-to-day activities, both personal and business, reliant on smartphones, computers and the internet, cyber security and online safety are fundamental.

‘The committee is in the final stages of contract negotiation with the preferred supplier for the creation of a Guernsey cyber security centre, a key element of the cyber security strategy. This will act as a focal point in the event of a cyber security incident.’

Guernsey’s anti-money laundering measures are due to be inspected next year by the international monitoring agency Moneyval.

Deputy Prow told the States that preparing for the inspection had been like sitting an exam.

‘Like sitting any exam, you can’t prejudge the exact outcome. Home Affairs and other States committees have devoted significant resources in terms of funding, people and effort to ensure a positive outcome.

‘I am confident that the hard work of all authorities will be recognised and reflected in a positive outcome for the Bailiwick.’