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Scrutiny Calls for More Public Engagement in Government Spending Plans

Scrutiny

8 December 2023

​Scrutiny calls for more public engagement in Government spending plans

Islanders' views are still not being sufficiently included in the debate over the Government's spending plans, according to a report on the proposed Government Plan 2024-2027 by the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel (CSSP). The report has 25 recommendations, 11 of which are overarching and have been endorsed by all the scrutiny panels.

All five Scrutiny Panels conducted their own reviews into the Government's revenue and spending proposals for 2024, with the CSSP, taking the lead in reporting on the overarching recommendations. CSSP is presenting Scrutiny Report (S.R.4/2023), with the other four Standing Panels presenting Comments and, in some cases, lodging their own amendments.

The main overarching recommendations include:

  • The Council of Ministers must enhance the accessibility of future Government Plans to enable public understanding of what the term actually means; and in particular to engage with Jersey's Youth Parliament, including publishing a child-friendly version concurrently.
  • All future Government Plans must distinguish the specific areas and projects to which Value for Money savings are attached and provide full details of the monitoring process.
  • Figures from previous years should be included in tables to enable comparisons for increased clarity.
  • The Council of Ministers should publish a mid-year progress report by Aug 31, to allow Scrutiny to assess if delivery and progress is on track.


    In addition, the CSSP put forward 14 of its own recommendations, including:
  • Any unspent balances from the Covid-19 response and recovery, should be allocated to the depleted Stabilisation Fund.
  • The Council of Ministers should give due regard to targeting support to those most impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, including mortgage holders.
  • The Treasury and Exchequer should undertake modelling exercises to identify the impacts of revenue raising measures on businesses, the economy, Islanders, and Island life.
  • The Council of Ministers should ensure Vehicle Emissions Duties remain under review and consider taking into account the size and mass of vehicles.
  • In relation to the new Regulatory Technology proposals, the Council of Ministers, must ensure enhanced procedures are in place to prevent a conflict of interest and that funds are appropriately monitored and tracked.
  • The Council of Ministers must strengthen its commitment to prioritise the transfer of future surpluses to the Stabilisation Fund and Strategic Reserve.

    Deputy Sam Mézec. Chair of CSSP commented:

    'We were pleased to see that some improvements have been made to the presentation of the Plan in order to aid its communication and transparency, but I'm disappointed that despite accepting our previous recommendation, the Government has failed to engage the public, and in particular young people, in the debate on how tax revenues should be spent and vital services and investments funded. These are critical issues relevant to all islanders and should be seen as an integral part of our democratic process. We are also seriously concerned that States Members are not being given enough information on the government's Value for Money Programme. I hope the States will accept our Panel's amendments to strengthen the governance of this programme to help ensure that efficiency savings do not turn into cuts to public services.'

     
    Amendments to the Government Plan from Scrutiny Panels:
  • Amendment 12: Corporate Services Panel. The Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel is proposing an amendment to distinguish specific areas to which Value for Money savings are attached, a report and monitoring process to also be included for the duration of the Government Plan. Read more 
  • Amendment 21: Children, Education and Home Affairs Panel. The Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel is proposing an amendment to ensure funding of at least £4.705 million for Le Rocquier School & Community Sports Facilities will be reviewed & the project is reprioritised to improve sports facilities in the east of the island. Read more
  • Amendment 24: Children, Education and Home Affairs Panel. The Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel is proposing an amendment that the Government of Jersey look into universal nursery provision & further early years childcare support for all children from 9 months-3 yrs, & shares its findings. Read more 
  • Amendment 25: Economic and International Affairs Panel. The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel is proposing an amendment which proposes to continue the freeze on alcohol duty & request a separate level for that duty, or for a rebate or similar measure to be introduced. Read more 
  • Amendment 26: Economic and International Affairs Panel. The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel is proposing an amendment to continue to freeze import duties on fuel. Read more  
  • Amendment 27: Economic and International Affairs Panel. The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel is proposing an amendment which requires money to be kept in the Central Reserve rather than allocated to Jersey Business–Core Grant Funding, until Ministers give more detail. Read more
  • Amendment 28: Economic and International Affairs Panel. The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel is proposing an amendment for money to be kept in the Central Reserve, not allocated to the Digital, Visitor Economy & Elite Sports Strategies until Ministers give more detail. Read more 


    To read the Comments from other Scrutiny Panels in relation to the Government Plan:

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