Guernsey Press

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

I HAVE remained silent for a few months, not because there was nothing to say, but because the effort of writing didn’t seem worthwhile. However, I saw a TV interview in which a former leading light of government in Guernsey was extremely negative about the new leadership. In this instance, he was referring to the change in the handling of probate. At the moment and for some time the granting of probate is performed by the Ecclesiastical Court, they are experienced and knowledgeable and can guide people through a complicated process during what may be a very upsetting time. The previous States decided that removal of this service from the Ecclesiastical Court and the creation of an alternative body comprised of civil servants would be a good idea. The argument was that the fees charged (£35 +/- per £10,000, excluding property) would be a new and profitable income stream. That is the income less expenses for the civil servants, the premises to house them etc. etc. It was, of course, accepted that this would be a more expensive option.

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I think I am a pragmatist, if something is broken, by all means, fix it – however, if a process works well don’t try fixing it – you’ll make a mess which will do no one any good. The people I talked to during the last election wanted the civil service reduced (at least at senior levels). Even this would not be accomplished by removing the management of probate from its current administrators. Our new government has negotiated that all remains as it has been, as I understand it, but that more of the fees charged would end up in public hands. That to me is a win/win situation.

I am surprised that the interview was broadcast without displaying all the facts. Sour grapes should not be displayed so prominently. Also, former prominent deputies should try to desist from making fools of themselves.

Again another surprise, last year we were being told that the deficit would be somewhere in the region of £59m. – with Covid-19 costing us £120m.

To my uneducated mind, that means that had Covid not happened we would have had a surplus of about £60m. – that hasn’t happened in a while. Now in 2021 the same masters of mathematics/accountancy are projecting a mere £23m. loss. It seems that the last government and to an extent the new one was a little cavalier with the numbers. Instead of praising the fact that the numbers have reduced, I’d like to know how they got it so wrong. Perhaps an abacus should be used rather than Excel. But no one seems in the least bit bothered.

ROSIE HENDERSON