Review of Government Plan 2024-27 Launched by Scrutiny
16 October 2023
All Scrutiny Panels have now launched their reviews into the proposed Government Plan 2024-27.
The Government Plan explains the financial context in which Ministerial priorities will be delivered and also outlines the financial approvals that Ministers are proposing to ensure that taxpayers' money is focused on delivering both their priorities and existing services, whilst ensuring the ongoing sustainability of Government and States' finances. It is a rolling four-year plan but is brought back and updated each year to take account of changes in the Island's economic outlook.
The Reviews seek to ascertain the following:
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Whether the Proposed Government Plan is fiscally sound and economically sustainable.
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Whether the Proposed Government Plan follows the advice of the Fiscal Policy Panel and Income Forecasting Group.
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The impact of the Proposed Government Plan proposals on departmental budgets and staffing levels.
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Whether the Proposed Government Plan aligns with the objectives of the Common Strategic Policy to deliver on the priorities and aligns with the aims of the Ministerial Plans.
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Whether the proposed Revenue Expenditure Growth and Projects are appropriate and deliverable within the timeframes specified.
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Whether the resources allocated to Revenue Expenditure Growth and Projects are sufficient and demonstrate the best use of public funds.
As part of the review process, each Scrutiny Panel for Corporate Services, Environment, Housing & Infrastructure, Health and Social Security, Children, Education and Home Affairs and Economic and International Affairs will be reviewing the areas of the Proposed Government Plan specific to their remits. Leading on the review, the Corporate Services Panel will also be reviewing any overarching themes. Panels intend to report on their findings ahead of the States debate scheduled for 12th December 2023.
The Panels are requesting views and comments from targeted stakeholders and members of the public to inform their reviews. Public hearings will also be held with Ministers during October and November 2023. Town stands will be held at the Grand Marché on the week of 23 October, where members of the panels will be available to speak with members of the public on issues relevant to the ongoing work.
Deputy Sam Mézec, Chair of the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel, said: "As a key element of the Government's strategy and funding for services over the next 3 years, the Proposed Government Plan is an important tool for States Members as well as the public to understand Ministerial Priorities and how public funds are used to drive their implementation. Scrutiny will be working hard over the next two months to make sure the proposed plan is as thorough and streamlined in its approach to matching up to the Island's needs as possible. We're also keen to find out whether members of the public understand what the Government Plan is, what it sets out to achieve and what this means for them."
