Deputies' back-door pay uplift
HERE we go again. Fresh from the accusation that deputies are only to happy to waste hours talking about themselves, this week they could be doing so again, this time over the thorny issue of their pay.
It’s the classic knee-jerk reaction whenever finances and savings are thrown around in States discussions – anything from pay them less to pay them nothing. So the less time the States spend in self-absorption, surely the better for all.
However the Policy & Resources Committee is right to be attempting to set an example and, for once, go against the recommendations of an independent review panel and to effectively impose a collective pay freeze upon themselves and their colleagues. It’s a saving of some £800,000 over the life of the next States and while they’ll get no thanks for it, it’s a sensible thing to do.
What’s not so sensible, though, is a move to recognise the importance and hard work of representatives sitting on the more senior States committees.
The committee power, and focus, is at the top, where the duties are almost daily. Committee members may play a significant role, but this is far from guaranteed. The rationale that they deserve an uplift in pay for doing their job, while their presidents are docked money, may find support from sheer numbers in the Assembly, but just doesn’t add up.