Sweeping powers need to be validated

No major policy letters, little to provoke debate or force deputies to make tough decisions.

There are a couple of catch-up statements from the Committee for Home Affairs and a States of Alderney representative. A look at the Guernsey Post annual report is followed by two technical reports on what to do with money left in dormant bank accounts and a bid to regulate non-bank credit providers to add consumer protection on lending.

It is all very mundane.

But that does not make it unimportant.

An Assembly of States deputies gathered in person or remotely to deliberate on behalf of the islanders they represent can never be that.

For that reason, it was essential that the States met as soon as it could after the postponement of last week’s January meeting due to the sudden lockdown.

By doing so the States showed that, like businesses and households across the island, it can be flexible and adjust quickly to the circumstances. What message does it send out if those leading the community are paralysed by the first hiccup of their 100-day tenure?

Business leaders, staff and clients have all quickly got to grips with the demands of online working. The States can be no different.

As it happens the agenda also contains some of the most important legislation ever to come before the States.

The Emergency Powers (Coronavirus) (General Provision) (Bailiwick of Guernsey) is unlikely to prove contentious but, as the name implies, it is far-reaching and forceful.

It is vital that the States Assembly signs off on such sweeping powers, once described by the Civil Contingencies Authority as the most Draconian since the Second World War.

It is part of the checks and balances of government.

Both the CCA and members should welcome that opportunity for the Assembly to scrutinise and validate their authority, even if the process amounts to little more than a rubberstamping of eminently sensible regulations.