Now is the time to look at a new form of government

The most recent example of an outstanding problem was offered to us in the four days of debate on the education requete. It was followed by the Education committee leading us into a desperate situation – with a review of its activities conducted by itself and with the agenda set by itself. This committee is already so committed to its own ideas – it has already appointed a head of a non-existent school, together with a dubious appointment of its head of curriculum. Furthermore, it has invested a lot of time designing a uniform – and not forgetting the architectural add-ons to the existing schools for which it has already given sticking plasters if it should prove that there is not enough space. How much money did the committee require to conduct its review? £2.5m.? Refused, but a possible figure has now been established. To this particular problem there is a clear solution: appoint an independent committee with an agenda set by the States.

A solution to the four days of debate is not so simple. The problem goes back to the new States of 2016. If we had a ‘cabinet’ style government with, say, a total of 10 members plus chairman and secretary which met and discussed its four-year agenda and its priorities, then one of these items must have been the education and arrangements for our secondary schools. A reasoned agreement on the two/three schools could have been reached on an outline plan and which buildings would be most suitable. Minutes of the meeting would be produced and would form a part of the first States of Deliberation agenda. Clearly the first ‘cabinet’ meeting would be held about a week before the new States meeting. It should then be possible to hold a monthly meeting of the ‘cabinet’ before each States meeting to ensure that progress was being made and for the president of the appropriate department to report that this was happening.

The role of the chief minister would be to chair meetings and to make sure that satisfactory progress was being made. At the present time the chief minister has too much to do, and for that reason should not be criticised. However, a finance minister with a small department should help the situation. If there had been a ‘cabinet’ style government I believe that such happenings as the four-day debate and the need for a review could have been avoided.

Now that the election of the new States for 2020 is being postponed, it should give the States time to reflect and perhaps rethink its style of organisation to bring in a more efficient government for next time.

I would not expect my letter to bear much influence, but Deputy Soulsby has already tried to bring in a soul-searching requete to look at the form of the next States, and I hope that the present States will seize the opportunity to look at these matters.

DON SUMMERS

thesummers@cwgsy.net