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3.2 Deputy J.A. Martin of St. Helier of the Chief Minister regarding evidence in support of balance between the delivery of better services and the maintenance of a sustainable level of spending:
On Page 4 of the draft Strategic Plan 2006-2011, it states that a balance has been
made between delivering better services while maintaining a sustainable level of
spending, and that the Plan is both achievable and affordable. Have any financial studies or business plans been undertaken in support of this statement and, if so, will the Minister guarantee to provide copies to all States Members ahead of the States debate?
Senator F.H. Walker (The Chief Minister):
The draft Strategic Plan has been developed on the basis of the most recent financial forecasts. These were contained in the 2006 Budget Report, copies of which have already been provided to Members. Later this year the States shall be asked to approve the States Business Plan and this will set out cash limits for 2007 together with projected expenditure for the period 2008-2011. These expenditure targets will need to comply with the parameters to be established by the strategic plan, including the overriding principle that expenditure should be sustainable throughout this period.
- Deputy G.P. Southern of St. Helier :
The Chief Minister refers to the word "achievable": can I draw his attention to other letters from the word "smart", which are "measurable" and "timed". When, if at all, are these targets - outlined in the Strategic Plan - going to be refined by measurable measures and timing? When are they going to occur?
Senator F.H. Walker :
The Strategic Plan is, as its title suggests, basically an overview of the major policies. The measurable targets together with the timescales for their achievement will be included in the Business Plan when that is brought to the House later this year.
- Connétable A.S. Crowcroft of St. Helier :
I am aware that the Chief Minister has invited comments on the draft Strategic Plan from Members and indeed from the public. Could he confirm whether the Strategic Plan will be capable of amendment by Members when it is brought to the house?
Senator F.H. Walker :
Sir, not only can I confirm that but I would also confirm - as I have said publicly on a previous occasion - that the Council of Ministers themselves will not hesitate to bring amendments to the Strategic Plan if they feel it appropriate, given the response to the consultation process.
- Deputy G.P. Southern :
Notwithstanding the Chief Minister's previous answer, is he aware that many, if not most, of the targets set out in the Strategic Plan are so vague as to be unvisionable and that this requires a heavy degree of work to bring it to "smart" targets. Is he committed to doing that heavy amount of work?
Senator F.H. Walker :
Sir, I think I have already answered that question, the answer is yes.
- Deputy J.A. Martin:
Can I be quite clear, will we get the Business Plan - the figures - before we debate the Strategic Plan in this House?
Senator F.H. Walker : The answer is yes.
- Deputy G.P. Southern :
As part of his written answers, he refers to additional funding already, on the back of this Strategic Plan, of £1.3 million to take care of the Teachers' Pension Fund. Can he confirm that this already is additional funding to that outlined in his achievable and affordable Strategic Plan?
Senator F.H. Walker :
No, Sir, this is included with the achievable and affordable Strategic Plan.